Munich, Germany – Bayern Munich has officially confirmed the contract extension of legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer until the end of the 2025-26 season, putting an end to months of speculation regarding his future with the club.
The 38-year-old shot-stopper, who joined Bayern from Schalke 04 in 2011, will now enter his 15th season with the Bundesliga giants.
Bayern’s Statement: Neuer is an Icon
Announcing the extension on Monday, Bayern’s sporting chief Max Eberl praised Neuer as “the best goalkeeper of his generation”, adding that the club was “delighted” to retain his services.
“Manuel is a Bayern icon, and we are thrilled that he will continue with us,” said Eberl. “He remains one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and his leadership is invaluable to the team.”
Neuer’s previous contract was set to expire at the end of the current season, raising concerns about his future. However, the new deal now extends his stay in Munich until June 2026.
Neuer’s Reaction: “Still Hungry for More”
In a statement released by Bayern, Neuer expressed his excitement about continuing his journey with the club.
“I want to keep playing football and remain a Bayern player,” said Neuer. “I’m still hungry for success, and I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead.”
Since arriving in 2011, Neuer has won:
🏆 11 Bundesliga titles
🏆 2 UEFA Champions League trophies
🏆 6 DFB-Pokal titles
🏆 2 FIFA Club World Cups
🏆 Multiple German Super Cups and other domestic honors
Comeback from Injury
Neuer recently returned from injury after suffering a rib fracture during a match against Bayer Leverkusen in December 2024.
Before that, he missed almost a year of football due to a leg injury sustained while skiing in December 2022. His absence forced Bayern to sign Yann Sommer, who later moved to Inter Milan.
Despite these setbacks, Neuer has shown remarkable resilience and remains Bayern’s undisputed No. 1.
Future Goalkeeping Competition at Bayern
While Neuer remains Bayern’s first-choice keeper, there are growing questions about his long-term successor.
🏟️ Alexander Nübel, who is contracted to Bayern until 2029, is currently on loan at Stuttgart until 2026. The 27-year-old is widely seen as Neuer’s eventual replacement, but his future role at Bayern remains uncertain.
⚽ Meanwhile, Sven Ulreich has been Neuer’s primary backup, while the club also signed Daniel Peretz, a highly-rated Israeli goalkeeper, in 2023.
Despite this competition, Neuer has made it clear that he has no intention of slowing down.
Neuer’s Legacy and Retirement from International Football
Neuer officially retired from international football in 2024 after Germany hosted the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament.
The 2014 World Cup-winning captain ended his illustrious international career with:
✅ 117 caps for Germany
✅ 1 FIFA World Cup title (2014)
✅ 1 UEFA Nations League title (2021)
With his international career behind him, Neuer’s full focus is now on Bayern Munich.
What’s Next for Neuer and Bayern?
With Bayern still in the hunt for Bundesliga and Champions League glory, Neuer will be aiming to add more silverware to his already legendary career.
His contract extension ensures that Bayern Munich will continue to benefit from his experience and leadership, even as the club begins preparing for a future without him.
Will Neuer retire at Bayern in 2026? Or could he push for another extension? Only time will tell.
For now, the Bayern faithful can celebrate—their goalkeeping legend isn’t going anywhere just yet. 🚀
