Manuel Neuer

Manuel Neuer is a German goalkeeper whose influence extends into the space behind his defenders. He offers an extra passing option when his team has the ball, then adjusts his position to judge whether he can intercept a pass or needs to protect his goal.

Born in Gelsenkirchen on 27 March 1986, Neuer developed at Schalke 04, turning professional in 2005 and making his Bundesliga debut in August 2006.

A defining early performance came against Porto in March 2008. After keeping Schalke in the Champions League tie with saves during the match, he stopped two penalties in the shootout as they reached the competition’s quarter-finals for the first time.

He joined Bayern Munich in July 2011. The move brought two European trebles: in both 2013 and 2020, he helped Bayern win the Bundesliga, DFB Cup and Champions League. He became the club’s captain in 2017.

With Germany, Neuer won the European Under-21 Championship in 2009 before becoming a World Cup winner in 2014. Germany beat Argentina 1–0 after extra time in the final, and he received the Golden Glove as the tournament’s best goalkeeper.

After retiring from international football in 2024, he returned for the 2026 World Cup. Against Côte d’Ivoire on 20 June, his 21st appearance set a men’s World Cup record for a goalkeeper. He confirmed a second international retirement after Germany’s exit against Paraguay.

His positioning is more nuanced than simply standing far from goal. FIFA’s analysis of the 2025 Club World Cup showed him moving closer to his team during possession, then retreating when pressure or a turnover changed the danger. Against long passes, a deeper starting point can give him time to judge the flight and bounce before intervening. The skill is choosing when to advance.

Latest stats & form

Manuel Neuer currently plays for Bayern München as a goalkeeper. He has represented Germany internationally.

Statistics cover recorded official matches.