Manuel Neuer has start his final mission in the Champions League triple chase with Bayern Munich. The captain of the record champions reaffirmed his major career goal for the final phase ahead of Thursday's opener against Bodø/Glimt. The 40-year-old goalkeeper had already announced at the end of July during the training camp at Tegernsee that he would end his career in the summer of 2027. "It looks very much like I will stop!", Neuer said back then. His 18th and final campaign in the premier club competition now kicks off at 9 PM on DAZN. Victory in the final on June 5, 2027, at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid would be his third triumph in this tournament. "It is our big goal to become Champions League winners", Neuer said on Wednesday morning at the press conference at Säbener Straße. "It would mean everything to me personally if it were to happen for the third time!", added the 2014 World Cup winner. These statements were first reported by Bild Sport.
Why did Neuer decide on one more season?
The extension of his contract by one year in May was not a mere formality for Manuel Neuer. His decision was directly dependent on the title prospects with Vincent Kompany's team. "That was one reason why I stayed on", explained the experienced keeper. With 35 club titles and 805 competitive matches under his belt, Neuer knows exactly what it takes. He played 601 of those games for Bayern and 203 for Schalke 04. His confidence in this season's squad remains unwavering. "I am starting the season with all possible goals we can achieve", said Neuer. "I believe we have that within our team." He also stressed the necessary humility in day-to-day business. "I don't want to talk too much about the title."
How do Kompany and Eberl view the CL ambitions?
Sporting director Max Eberl and coach Vincent Kompany fully support the stated objective. The 52-year-old Eberl formulated the club's ambition unequivocally: "Bayern Munich has the aspiration to win all possible titles." Kompany, also 40 years old, had already clearly named this goal during the Asia tour in early August. "We want to win the Champions League, there is no doubt about that!", said the Belgian. On Wednesday, he refined this stance. "Bayern Munich belongs to the ten clubs in Europe that must always have the goal of winning the Champions League at the start", Kompany stated. He finds it important to say this openly. "I always think it's good that you say it clearly and express it, and that you don't hide too much, because we are Bayern Munich." But the coach also immediately redirected the focus to the immediate task. "But from now on, my priority is not who wins or who reaches the final, now it's about beating Bodø/Glimt."
What awaits Bayern in the first group game?
The opening opponent Bodø/Glimt, the Norwegian runner-up, represents the first hurdle on the long road to Madrid. For Neuer and his teammates, this marks the start of the concrete implementation of their lofty ambitions. Vincent Kompany's team must prove their strength from the first minute. The entire planning for the season, including the summer signings, is geared towards this European ascent. Fans can follow Bayern's further schedule in the Champions League and the Bundesliga on our fixtures page. The current squad list also shows the depth the club is relying on in this demanding triple competition.
What role does Neuer's experience play for the team?
At 40 years old, Manuel Neuer brings unique experience to the squad. His 18 Champions League campaigns are a treasure trove of knowledge from which the entire defense and team benefit. His desire to crown his career with the greatest possible success acts as an additional driving force for the whole team. Neuer is convinced of the potential of the current setup. "I know that everything is possible with this team, with the coaching staff and with the team spirit we have in the squad", said the captain. This conviction is apparently shared by the club's management, which paved the way for one last major mission. The next opportunity to check the team statistics and Neuer's personal record is offered by our stats overview. Bayern Munich's first group game in the 2026/27 Champions League takes place on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 21:00.
