Space seems to be running out in Manuel Neuer's office in his villa in the small village of Leeberg, located on the shores of the romantic Tegernsee south of Munich.
Recently, the 39-year-old goalkeeper placed his "Man of the Match" trophy from the German Supercup final among his other items, where all his awards are kept.
Despite turning 40 next March, it won't be a surprise if the 2014 FIFA World Champion adds additional awards during the upcoming season, as many predict; it might not be his last.
While his contract in Munich is said to run out next summer, several German pundits expect him to continue playing. Many also speculate about his return to the German national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Because of the months-long injury break of his national team successor, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, German record international Lothar Matthaus, legendary goalkeeper Sepp Maier from the 1974 World Cup, and Whitecaps' new signing Thomas Muller, all brought his return to the German national team into consideration.
Next to Marc-Andre, he is the best we have. To win the 2026 World Cup, the team needs his experience," Matthaeus said, while Maier and Muller shared the same sentiments ahead of Bayern's 2025/26 league season opener this Friday against Leipzig.
While Neuer is keeping his feet behind the line, his outstanding performance in the Supercup final against Stuttgart (2-1) fueled speculation.
"I wouldn't bet this season will be his last," former German captain Matthaeus added.
After 124 caps, the Bayern goalkeeper retired from the German national team on August 21, 2024, and announced he would focus entirely on his club career.
This season, he could break the record held by Bayern legend Oliver Kahn for most Bundesliga appearances, with 557, and win his 13th national championship. Only Muller has achieved the same number.
Ten months before the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the United States, German national coach Julian Nagelsmann is reportedly weighing all options, as age does not seem to influence Neuer.
German sporting director Rudi Voller recently outlined the requirements for a Ter Stegen return, emphasizing full fitness and maintaining the number one spot at the club.
In Barcelona, Ter Stegen has lost his starting position, and his potential return appears blocked, compounded by his recent back surgery that sidelined him for several months.
As a fact, Nagelsmann faces the challenging decision of selecting Germany's goalkeeper ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in 2025.
Stuttgart's Alexander Nubel, Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann, and Fulham's Bernd Leno are mentioned as potential candidates, but all lack the experience of major tournaments.
Neuer announced that he currently cares about Bayern only. However, the Bayern goalkeeper might find ways to add more trophies to his collection from wins with his club or the national team.
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
