Neuer hints at retirement after Super Cup triumph

Manuel Neuer has indicated that the 2026-27 season could be the final campaign of his career, speaking after Bayern Munich's 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in the DFL Supercup on Saturday.

The 40-year-old Bayern captain was asked whether the match might have been his last in the competition. "Could be, could be," he told SAT.1, as quoted by Goal.com.

Pressed on whether he could retire at the end of the season, Neuer said: "Now is the time to enjoy everything once again. Then I will see how the season goes. But basically, I do believe that this can be the last one."

The comments follow earlier indications during Bayern's pre-season training camp at Tegernsee that Neuer would not extend his contract, which runs until 2027. He had previously said: "I do not play the matches to say: This is my last match now - regardless of whether I may have been in one stadium or another for the last time. But it does look very much like I am retiring!"

Neuer came out of international retirement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but retired again after Germany's round of 32 exit.

Match report

Bayern started the season with a win, with Michael Olise scoring one goal and assisting the other in the Super Cup victory. Nathaniel Brown scored in the 28th minute after Olise was tackled, and Olise added a second just before half-time after seizing on a loss of possession by Jude Bellingham. Bayern held 64 percent possession and registered eight shots in the first half. Fabio Silva pulled one back for Dortmund in the 75th minute, but Bayern held on.

Bayern arrived as title defenders, having beaten RB Leipzig 3-1 in their final pre-season game and winning five of six pre-season fixtures. Dortmund drew 2-2 with Roma in their last pre-season match, with a record of three wins, two losses and one draw in pre-season.

New signings featured for both sides: Nathaniel Brown made his first competitive start for Bayern, while Konstantinos Karetsas and Joane Gadou started for Dortmund.

Neuer's career and future

Neuer, who joined Bayern in 2011, is entering his 21st Bundesliga season and has said he aims to end his career with another Champions League triumph. He has previously admitted he came close to retiring before deciding to continue, crediting the squad, coaching staff and the club's ability to challenge for honours for that decision.

Bayern have reportedly begun planning for life after Neuer, with 23-year-old Jonas Urbig seen as the long-term successor. A rotation plan involving the two goalkeepers has reportedly been agreed, allowing Urbig to take on greater responsibility gradually.