Manuel Neuer Reflects on His Career and Future in Football

omidbasir- Shortly before celebrating his 40th birthday, Manuel Neuer reflects on his illustrious career, revealing that he could have potentially played outfield in Germany’s 3. Liga.

On March 27th, Neuer will turn 40, becoming the tenth goalkeeper to compete in the Bundesliga at this age.

Neuer is renowned for his skill in playing from the back, demonstrating exceptional comfort with the ball at his feet. Often, he positions himself near the halfway line during team attacks, prepared to counter swift plays from the opposition.

During a recent interview, it was shared that former Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola even contemplated using Neuer in a midfield role.

Though Neuer chuckled at the notion, he articulated his belief that he could have played outfield—albeit not at the Bundesliga level.

“I could have played at a lower level,” Neuer acknowledged. “In a possession-based team in the third division, for example, that would have been possible. I might have lacked a bit of speed, but I could have played at a good level. Perhaps I would have been a centre-back or a defensive midfielder, similar to Javi Martinez.”

As he approaches the latter stages of his career at Bayern, with his contract set to expire at the season’s end, discussions naturally shift toward his eventual successor. Currently, Jonas Urbig, a 22-year-old talent, is viewed as Neuer’s apprentice, having already made seven appearances this season across all competitions.

Regardless of who ultimately replaces him, Neuer has sage advice for the next generation: “Be open to new things. Work on your weaknesses. Don’t limit yourself to just one foot. Nowadays, versatility is essential in football.”

With 540 Bundesliga games and counting, Neuer’s legacy at Bayern Munich and in the world of football is destined to endure.