Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Manuel Neuer

How Manuel Neuer built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Manuel Neuer is a highly acclaimed German professional footballer, currently the captain and goalkeeper for Bayern Munich. Widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers ever, he is known for his innovative "sweeper-keeper" style, characterized by his proactive approach in rushing out of his goal to intercept opponents and his exceptional speed. Neuer was recognized as the best goalkeeper of the decade (2011-2020) by the IFFHS, solidifying his legacy as a highly influential figure in the sport.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2003: Schalke 04 II

During 2003-04, Manuel Neuer played for Schalke 04 II.

2004: Schalke 04 II

During 2004-05, Manuel Neuer played for Schalke 04 II.

2005: Signed professional terms with Schalke 04

In 2005, Manuel Neuer signed professional terms with his hometown club, Schalke 04 and won the 2005 DFL-Ligapokal as an unused substitute.

August 2006: Germany Under-21 Debut

On 15 August 2006, Neuer made his debut for Germany's under-21 team against the Netherlands.

2006: Schalke 04 II and Bundesliga debut

During 2006-07, Manuel Neuer played for Schalke 04 II and made his Bundesliga debut.

2007: Schalke 04 II

During 2007-08, Manuel Neuer played for Schalke 04 II.

March 2008: UEFA Champions League Saves Against Porto

On 5 March 2008, during a UEFA Champions League match against Porto, Manuel Neuer made several crucial saves and helped Schalke advance to the quarter-finals after saving penalties in the shootout.

2008: Schalke 04 II

During 2008-09, Manuel Neuer played for Schalke 04 II.

2008: Schalke Finished Eighth in the League

In the 2008-09 season, Schalke finished eighth in the league table.

May 2009: Called up to Senior German Squad

In May 2009, Neuer was called up to the senior German squad for a tour of Asia and was named on the substitutes bench for a 1–1 draw with China on 29 May.

2009: Debut for Germany Senior Team

In 2009, Manuel Neuer made his debut for the senior Germany national team.

2009: Interest from Bayern Munich

In 2009, Manuel Neuer's performance at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship sparked interest from Bayern Munich.

2009: Won UEFA European Under-21 Championship

In 2009, Neuer won the UEFA European Under-21 Championship with Germany, keeping a clean sheet in the 4–0 final victory against England.

May 2010: Named to World Cup Squad and Starting Goalkeeper

In May 2010, Neuer was named in Germany's squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup after René Adler's injury. On 28 May, he was confirmed as Germany's starting goalkeeper for the tournament.

2010: Appointed Captain of Schalke 04

For the 2010-11 season, Manuel Neuer was appointed captain of Schalke 04.

2010: First-Choice Goalkeeper at the FIFA World Cup

In 2010, Manuel Neuer was the first-choice goalkeeper for Germany at the FIFA World Cup.

April 2011: Announcement of Departure from Schalke

On 20 April 2011, Manuel Neuer announced he would not extend his contract with Schalke.

June 2011: Moved to Bayern Munich

On 1 June 2011, Manuel Neuer moved to Bayern Munich and signed a five-year contract.

November 2011: Charity Win on 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?'

In November 2011, Neuer won €500,000 for his charity, the Manuel Neuer Kids Foundation, on a celebrity edition of Wer wird Millionär?, the German version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?.

2011: Signed for Bayern Munich

In 2011, Manuel Neuer signed for Bayern Munich.

2011: Advocacy for Professional Football Players Coming Out

In 2011, Neuer expressed that "it would be good if a professional football player came out because it would help others to do the same", advocating for greater acceptance and support within the sport.

April 2012: Champions League Semi-Final Saves Against Real Madrid

On 25 April 2012, Manuel Neuer saved penalty kicks from Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaká in the Champions League semi-finals against Real Madrid, which Bayern won.

2012: Played Every Minute of Euro 2012 Qualifying

During the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, Neuer played every minute of every match, contributing to Germany's perfect record of ten wins out of ten games. He was praised for his "sensational" performance in a 3–1 win against Turkey.

2012: Started All Matches at UEFA Euro 2012

Neuer started all five of Germany's matches at UEFA Euro 2012, keeping a clean sheet against Portugal in their opening Group B match.

May 2014: Contract Extension with Bayern Munich

On 2 May 2014, Manuel Neuer extended his contract with Bayern Munich until the summer of 2019.

2014: Won Golden Glove at 2014 FIFA World Cup

Neuer started in all seven of Germany's matches in their 2014 FIFA World Cup winning campaign, and won the Golden Glove for keeping the most clean sheets at the tournament.

April 2016: Contract Extension with Bayern

On 20 April 2016, Manuel Neuer extended his contract with Bayern until 2021.

May 2016: Selected for UEFA Euro 2016 Squad

On 31 May 2016, Neuer was selected for Germany's final 23-man squad for UEFA Euro 2016.

July 2016: Broke Clean Sheet Record and Man of the Match Performance

On 2 July 2016, in the quarter-final match against Italy, Neuer broke Sepp Maier's record of not conceding a goal at a major tournament for 481 minutes, which ended after 557 minutes. He helped Germany win 6–5 in a penalty shoot-out and was named Man of the Match.

September 2016: Named Captain of National Team

On 1 September 2016, Neuer was named the new captain of the German national team following Bastian Schweinsteiger's retirement from international football.

July 2017: Appointed Bayern and Germany Captain

On 19 July 2017, it was announced that Manuel Neuer would become the new captain for both Bayern and the Germany national team.

September 2017: 100th European Appearance and Injury Setback

On 13 September 2017, Manuel Neuer made his 100th European appearance in a Champions League match. He was later ruled out until January 2018 due to another foot fracture.

2017: Appointed Germany National Team Captain

In 2017, Manuel Neuer was appointed captain of the Germany national team.

May 2018: Selected for Preliminary World Cup Squad

On 15 May 2018, despite not having played a match since fracturing his foot in September 2017, Neuer was selected in Germany's 27-man preliminary squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

August 2018: Captained Bayern to DFL-Supercup Victory

On 12 August 2018, Manuel Neuer captained Bayern Munich to a 5–0 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt in the 2018 DFL-Supercup, marking his first competitive match of the season as captain.

May 2019: Won Seventh Consecutive Bundesliga Title and DFB-Pokal

In May 2019, Manuel Neuer secured his seventh consecutive Bundesliga title with Bayern, finishing two points ahead of Dortmund. Subsequently, he returned from injury to win his fifth DFB-Pokal on 18 May 2019, as Bayern triumphed over RB Leipzig 3–0 in the final.

May 2020: Signed Contract Extension and Won Champions League

In May 2020, Neuer extended his contract with Bayern until 2023. On 23 August 2020, he captained Bayern to a 1–0 Champions League victory over PSG, marking his second Champions League title and first as captain.

September 2020: UEFA Super Cup and German Super Cup wins

In September 2020, Neuer contributed to Bayern Munich's victory in the 2020 UEFA Super Cup with a crucial save against Sevilla on 24 September and also won the German Super Cup six days later.

2020: Second European Treble

In 2020, Manuel Neuer won his second UEFA Champions League title as club captain, achieving the European treble for the second time.

October 2023: First Match After Injury

On 28 October 2023, Neuer played his first match in 350 days, which resulted in an 8–0 victory over Darmstadt.

2023: End of Captaincy for German National Team

In 2023, Manuel Neuer concluded his tenure as captain of the German national team.

2023: Contract Extension until 2023

In May 2020, Neuer signed a new contract with Bayern, keeping him at the club until 2023.

January 2024: 500th Match for FC Bayern

On 12 January 2024, Neuer played his 500th match for FC Bayern in a 3–0 win over Hoffenheim, equalling Bastian Schweinsteiger in tenth place in the club's all-time appearance rankings.

June 2024: Named in Euro 2024 Squad

In June 2024, Neuer was named in Germany's squad for UEFA Euro 2024, marking his return to the national team after an extended absence. He made his first appearance since the 2022 World Cup in a friendly against Ukraine on 3 June.

August 2024: Retirement from National Team

In August 2024, Neuer announced his retirement from the German national team after recording 51 clean sheets in 124 international appearances, marking the end of a significant chapter in his career.

2024: Contract Extension until 2024

After the 2021–22 season, Neuer extended his contract with Bayern Munich until 2024.

2024: Euro 2024 Opening Game

On 14 June 2024, Manuel Neuer started in the opening game of Euro 2024, where Germany beat Scotland 5–1 in Munich. He played in all five of Germany's matches at the tournament, helping the team reach the quarter-final.