Manuel Neuer at 40: From Fan Disapproval to Bayern Legend

Manuel Neuer will turn 40 this Friday. As he approaches this milestone, it’s a moment for reflection on a career that, for one reporter witnessing its early stages, felt almost surreal. The story of Manuel Neuer’s rise at FC Bayern Munich wasn’t a straightforward acceptance, but a journey marked by initial resistance and resounding success.

Looking back, the summer of 2011 feels particularly striking. The Bayern squad convened at Hotel Du Lac in Riva del Garda, Italy, for their training camp, and a palpable tension hung in the air. It was Neuer’s first official duty as Bayern’s goalkeeper, having recently transferred from Schalke 04. Although, his arrival wasn’t met with universal acclaim. A segment of the Bayern fanbase openly voiced their disapproval, brandishing signs with the slogan “Koan Neuer” – “No Neuer” – a protest rooted in his perceived association with Schalke’s ultra fan scene and his past within the Schalke stadium’s passionate supporter section.

Neuer’s signing quickly became a political issue, drawing criticism even towards Bayern’s president, Uli Hoeneß. The situation was so charged that Bayern convened a “peace summit” before the training camp, bringing together captain Philipp Lahm, club officials, and representatives from various fan groups. Remarkably, the meeting was moderated by Wolfgang Salewski, a former police psychologist known for his experience in hostage negotiations, including the 1977 Lufthansa hijacking in Mogadishu. At the time, Neuer was just 25 years traditional.

The level of opposition seemed excessive. Could Neuer adapt to his new club? Could he truly impact Bayern’s performance? These were the questions swirling around at the time.

Today, Manuel Neuer is already considered one of the most active and successful players in Bundesliga history. Since that contentious summer of 2011, he has been named World Goalkeeper of the Year five times, secured twelve Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich, and twice achieved the coveted treble. He too lifted the World Cup trophy with Germany in 2014. He’s now a favorite among the vast majority of fans. That initial summer at Lake Garda now feels like a distant, almost unbelievable memory.

The Milestones in Manuel Neuer’s Career

Following Neuer’s development as a reporter has been consistently fascinating. While only those closest to him truly know the man, observing his career has revealed key factors behind his numerous achievements.

Weeks before his move to Bayern, a Champions League semi-final match against Manchester United showcased Neuer’s exceptional talent. Although Schalke lost 2-0, Manchester United’s legendary manager, Alex Ferguson, remarked after the game, “Neuer was incredible. That was probably the best performance I’ve seen from a goalkeeper against us.”

Soon after, Munich-based football reporters frequently encountered Neuer during training sessions, matches, and press conferences. It quickly became clear that Neuer was determined to fully understand and embrace the culture of FC Bayern. He engaged in lengthy conversations with former Bayern goalkeeper Raimond Aumann in Zurich, demonstrating his eagerness to integrate into the club.

The 2012 Champions League final, heartbreakingly lost by Bayern to Chelsea at their home stadium, the Allianz Arena, was a particularly painful moment. The planned celebrations at the Postpalast in Munich transformed into a somber gathering. Journalists, seated near the players, witnessed their visible distress. It was a brutal night for Neuer.

He rapidly evolved into a leader. Neuer consistently faced the media after nearly every game. Just a year after the “Finale dahoam,” I observed him at the Grosvenor House in London, celebrating Bayern’s Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund alongside Bastian Schweinsteiger and his teammates. He proudly wore a t-shirt emblazoned with the words: “Football is coming hoam.”

I’ve personally witnessed over 300 matches featuring Manuel Neuer in goal. One particularly memorable evening was the 2014 World Cup round of 16 match against Algeria in Porto Alegre. Neuer repeatedly intervened as the last man, effectively acting as a sweeper-keeper. His performance marked a turning point in the evolution of the modern goalkeeper. Bayern’s goalkeeping coach, Andreas Köpke, commented, “I have rarely seen a better libero. Perhaps Franz Beckenbauer.” The match represented a revolution in goalkeeping.

Neuer consistently demonstrates politeness and patience in his interactions with fans. When asked about the constant requests for selfies, he explained that he understands the fans’ desires, recalling his own experiences as a supporter attending Schalke 04 training sessions, primarily to observe Jens Lehmann.

This anecdote reveals much about Neuer’s character. He consistently goes above and beyond to improve, always seeking to learn from the best. His mindset – his immense focus, mental strength, especially during challenging periods – has always impressed me, as has his clear perspective and interest in subjects outside of football, such as travel and different cultures.

During a conversation in Herzogenaurach, at the German national team’s headquarters, Neuer surprised me by revealing that he avoids pork. He also no longer consumes tuna or salmon due to concerns about heavy metals. This decision stemmed from medical tests he underwent after suffering a foot fracture during a ski trip in late 2022, aimed at optimizing his recovery.

When discussing football, it’s clear how deeply Neuer understands the game. He analyzes tactical details, ball trajectories, and goalkeeping techniques, offering insights that enhance my own understanding of the sport.

Cycling is Therapy for Manuel Neuer

Neuer understands his role as a prominent figure for the club and recognizes the importance of media engagement. However, he maintains a professional distance with reporters. He readily discusses his passions outside of football – cycling and spending time in nature. He fondly recalls encountering marmots during a trek through the Alps, describing cycling as a form of therapy.

In one interview, Neuer remembered observing the dedication of experienced Schalke players like Gerald Asamoah and Marcelo Bordon to their recovery routines. He now applies those lessons to his own regimen. He also revealed that he talks to himself during matches, stating, “It might sound strange, but it’s important,” to maintain focus.

Years ago, observers noticed a bandage on Neuer’s face during a match. It was later revealed that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer and underwent surgery.

Despite numerous injuries and this past health challenge, Neuer remains, in the eyes of many fans and experts, one of the best goalkeepers in the world, even at 40. FC Bayern is currently in discussions with Neuer to determine whether to extend their partnership, with his contract expiring on June 30th. When asked two years ago about the possibility of playing abroad, he stated that Qatar or Saudi Arabia were not options.

Neuer consistently makes important career decisions after careful consideration and discussion with his closest confidants. This will undoubtedly be the case now. As a reporter, I hope to notice Neuer continue to play for FC Bayern for at least another year, not only because of the compelling stories his performances generate but also because I believe he remains a vital asset to the club.

Julien Wolff is an editor at the Sport Competence Center. He has reported on FC Bayern and the German national team for WELT for many years and will also cover the DFB team as a reporter at the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico this summer. He has conducted numerous interviews with Manuel Neuer.