# Manuel Neuer retirement and Bayern succession updates > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/2026-world-cup-football-retirements > Updated: 2026-08-23T05:08:50.000Z. Sources: 76. Developments: 7. As the 2026-27 season progresses, Manuel Neuer has moved closer to a definitive retirement timeline. Following Bayern Munich’s 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the German Super Cup, the 40-year-old goalkeeper suggested that this season may indeed be his final professional campaign. While expressing a desire to focus on enjoying the season rather than approaching matches with a retirement mindset, Neuer stated, “I do believe that this can be the last one.” The Super Cup victory also marked a historic milestone for Neuer, who secured his 36th career trophy. This achievement makes him the most decorated German footballer in history, surpassing Thomas Müller. Following a 3-1 friendly victory over RB Leipzig, Neuer has since kept his retirement plans somewhat open, noting that he intends to focus on competing for major honors, such as the Bundesliga and Champions League, before making a final decision. He has recently extended his contract with Bayern Munich and continues to serve as the club’s primary goalkeeper. Adding a personal dimension to his final season, Neuer is currently on a farewell tour that includes a return to his former club, FC Schalke 04. He described the upcoming Bundesliga match at the Veltins-Arena against Schalke—the club where he spent 20 years—as a “dream.” As Neuer enters his 21st Bundesliga season, Bayern Munich is actively preparing for a transition period. The club continues to look toward 23-year-old Jonas Urbig as a long-term successor, with reports suggesting potential plans to implement a rotation between the two goalkeepers to manage the succession. ## Claims - Germany failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. (disputed by 6 sources) - Germany were eliminated in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup by Paraguay on penalties. (disputed by 4 sources) - Manuel Neuer is 40 years old. (corroborated by 32 sources) - Manuel Neuer has extended his contract with Bayern Munich until July 2027. (corroborated by 22 sources) - Manuel Neuer said there is an 85 % chance he would have retired earlier, but the club’s environment kept him playing. (corroborated by 21 sources) - Manuel Neuer has retired from the German national team twice. (corroborated by 18 sources) - Manuel Neuer expects to help develop designated successor Jonas Urbig. (corroborated by 18 sources) - Manuel Neuer said the 2026‑27 Bundesliga season will likely be his final season as a professional player. (corroborated by 18 sources) - Jonas Urbig is the designated successor to Manuel Neuer at Bayern Munich. (corroborated by 17 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-23: Manuel Neuer hints at retirement after Bayern Munich victory Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has hinted at retiring at the end of the season following a German Super Cup win that set a new record for the most trophies won by a German footballer. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manuel-neuer-hints-at-retirement-after-bayern-munich-victory ### 2026-08-20: FC Bayern Munich faces personnel challenges ahead of new season FC Bayern Munich prepares for the 2026/27 season, facing a Supercup clash with Dortmund and long-term planning for the eventual departure of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fc-bayern-munich-faces-personnel-challenges-ahead-of-new-season ### 2026-08-16: Manuel Neuer remains undecided on retirement plans Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has declined to confirm a specific retirement date, stating he will focus on competing for major trophies before deciding his future after the 2026-27 season. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manuel-neuer-remains-undecided-on-retirement-plans ### 2026-08-12: FC Bayern München manages squad competition and goalkeeper transitions FC Bayern München navigates squad competition and a transition in goalkeeping as Manuel Neuer confirms his DFB retirement and endorses Jonas Urbig as a future national team successor. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manuel-neuer-discusses-career-legacy-and-potential-successors ### 2026-08-09: Manuel Neuer discusses future and successor at FC Bayern FC Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer says his retirement is not yet certain but likely, while discussing his relationship with successor Jonas Urbig and his legacy as a revolutionary sweeper keeper. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manuel-neuer-discusses-future-and-successor-at-fc-bayern ### 2026-08-03: Manuel Neuer to retire in 2027, Bayern Munich eyes successor Jonas Urbig Manuel Neuer will retire in summer 2027, hoping for a Champions League win, while Bayern Munich prepares 22‑year‑old Jonas Urbig as his successor. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manuel-neuer-set-for-final-bayern-season-as-club-heads-to-south-korea-friendly ### 2026-07-28: Manuel Neuer to retire after 2026‑27 season Manuel Neuer, 40, says the 2026‑27 season will likely be his last, after extending his Bayern contract to 2027 and helping develop successor Jonas Urbig. 58 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manuel-neuer-to-retire-after-the-202627-bundesliga-season --- Cite as: Manuel Neuer retirement and Bayern succession updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/2026-world-cup-football-retirements