Manuel Neuer Wants to Win the Champions League With Bayern Munich Before Retiring

He faces the final stretch of his career with a clear goal, to conquer a third Champions League and close his legacy with another night of European glory

Neuer's Dream

Manuel Neuer, a symbol of Bayern Munich and German football, faces a new season with the ambition of adding a third Champions League. At 40 years old, the goalkeeper seeks to close his career with a title that will definitively establish his legacy. "Winning the Champions for the third time would mean everything to me," assured the Bavarian captain, who already has 162 matches in the competition, only behind Iker Casillas.

Bayern and the European Revenge

Vincent Kompany's team begins its journey this Thursday against Bodo/Glimt at the Allianz Arena, determined to put behind the elimination suffered in the semifinals against PSG. Since their last conquest in 2019-20, the Bavarians have not been able to reach their seventh continental title. However, the statistics are encouraging; Bayern has won 36 of their last 38 home group stage matches and has started 23 consecutive European campaigns with a victory.

Motivation and the favorites

Neuer knows that the end of his career is near, he announced that the 2026-27 season will probably be the last. That's why every challenge has a special flavor. "Bitter defeats give us extra motivation. We want to play the final in Madrid next summer," he expressed. According to Opta, Bayern has an 18% chance of lifting the trophy, behind Arsenal (21%). Manchester City, Barcelona, Liverpool, and PSG are also among the favorites. For Neuer, everything will be decided among the "usual suspects."