Inside Manuel Neuer’s decision to return to Bayern Munich for 2026/27

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ROTTACH-EGERN, GERMANY - JULY 28: Manuel Neuer, keeper of FC Bayern München looks on during a FC Bayern München training session during the summer training camp at Stadion am Birkenmoos on July 28, 2026 in Rottach-Egern, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is a legend — there is no disputing that.

In recent months, though, the veteran has come under fire from some fans, who were critical of his decisions to return to the German national team for the World Cup and to Bayern Munich for this season. For Neuer, those decision were easy and not regrettable as the goalkeeper feels like last season was one of the most enjoyable campaigns of his career per a report from Sport Bild journalists Christian Falk and Julian Agardi (as captured by @iMiaSanMia):

Manuel Neuer is planning to go into the final season of his career and retire next summer. From the goalkeeper’s entourage, it is said that last season was the season Neuer enjoyed the most in his career. He does not regret his national team comeback either. The captain decided to continue this season because he feels there’s a big chance of crowning his career with winning another Champions League title.

Moving forward, Neuer is said to know that he will cede games to Urbig (though, some of his recent comments indicate otherwise) and that the young goalkeeper will be the No. 1 in 2027/28:

From 2027/28, Jonas Urbig will be the clear number 1. It has already been discussed with Neuer that this season would be used to further prepare Urbig for his succession. The plan was discussed between Dreesen, Eberl, Freund and Neuer before the latter’s contract extension in May. Neuer does not want to block Urbig’s development and will give up games for him this season. Dreesen also told Neuer that the club’s doors will be open for him after his retirement to take over a different role.

BFW Analysis​

Neuer’s season will likely be under the microscope for a lot of fans, but he does appear to still have some top-level play inside of him. Maybe it is a case where he needs more rest to stay at his best more consistently or maybe Father Time will just dictate game-to-game which Neuer shows up.

Either way, it is nice to have Urbig waiting and ready to go (even if it is not as much as some fans would like).

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