Manuel Neuer signals 2027 retirement after World Cup frustration, starts final Bayern season

World Cup disappointment and return

Manuel Neuer and several Germany internationals rejoined FC Bayern Munich's pre-season training in Rottach-Egern this week, still carrying the frustration of the national team's early World Cup exit against Paraguay. The 40-year-old goalkeeper, entering his 21st professional campaign, acknowledged the lingering disappointment but said the focus now shifts to club targets. Alongside Neuer, DFB captain Joshua Kimmich, new signing Nathaniel Brown, Jonathan Tah, Aleksandar Pavlovic and Jonas Urbig all began preparations. CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen expressed relief that most players returned without serious injuries, though midfielder Lennart Karl had been hurt during the World Cup countdown.

First of all I'm glad that most of them, apart from Lennart Karl, have come home without major injuries or will soon be home.

Neuer signals final season

Speaking to reporters after Tuesday's session, Neuer made his clearest statement yet about the end of his career. "It looks very much like I'll stop," he said, adding that he does not intend to treat the season as a farewell tour. He stressed he will not play matches simply to mark a last appearance in a particular stadium. The 2014 World Cup winner had already confirmed his retirement from international football after the Paraguay defeat, and now his club career appears to have a defined horizon.

I don't play the games to say, this is now my last game. Regardless of whether I might have been in one stadium or another for the last time, but it looks very much like I'll stop.

Why he decided to continue

Neuer revealed he came close to retiring this summer. "In maybe 85 percent of cases I would have stopped," he said, but the environment under coach Vincent Kompany and the squad's quality persuaded him to stay. He described the team, the staff and the club's structure as the 15 percent that made him certain he had to carry on. The chance to compete for every title again, after winning the domestic double and reaching the Champions League semi-finals last season, was a decisive factor.

We always have the possibility to play for all titles and we are fully up to speed with the team. That's why this team, the squad and the structure we have at the club count among the 15 percent where I said, I definitely have to continue.

New signings and squad outlook

Neuer welcomed the club's transfer business, noting that no first-eleven regulars had been lost. Nathaniel Brown arrived from Eintracht Frankfurt for around €50 million and was officially presented on Wednesday. Ismael Saibari, signed from PSV Eindhoven for a similar fee, is working his way back from injury. Neuer said the newcomers bring "enough power" to push the team forward. Further World Cup participants Konrad Laimer, Luis Díaz and Josip Stanisic are expected back soon, while Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Dayot Upamecano will be the last to return.

Supporting the next generation

Neuer also addressed his role in developing 22-year-old Jonas Urbig, his designated successor. He expects a similar rotation to last season, with the goalkeeping unit supporting each other. "We'll help each other, we'll push each other, so that we can always give the best for the team in the goalkeeper position," he said. The pre-season camp at Tegernsee concludes on Thursday with a friendly against local side FC Rottach-Egern, before the focus turns fully to the new Bundesliga campaign.