Overview
- Manuel Neuer said it is “very likely” he will retire at the end of the 2026–27 season, speaking to reporters at Bayern’s preseason camp on Tuesday.
- He signed a one-year contract extension in May that keeps him at Bayern until June 2027 and frames the coming campaign as a probable farewell.
- Neuer told reporters he had been about 85% inclined to retire before deciding to stay because the club’s environment makes competing for titles enjoyable.
- He has publicly set a personal aim of finishing his career by contesting the UEFA Champions League final on 5 June 2027 in Madrid and said he will not treat the season as a prolonged goodbye tour.
- Bayern plan a managed goalkeeper transition this season, with Neuer mentoring 22‑year‑old Jonas Urbig after Neuer’s muscle injuries last year gave Urbig senior minutes and accelerated succession planning.