At some point, even the greatest footballers will have to call time on their prestigious professional careers.

Iconic Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has announced his intention to end his professional playing career at the end of the 2026-27 season.

The former Germany international, who was at the FIFA World Cup this summer, will retire in the summer of 2027.

Neuer's announcement marks the start of a seismic event in the history of German football.

Manuel Neuer Confirms Retirement Plans

Neuer signed a one-year contract extension with Bayern earlier this summer, keeping him at the club for the 2026-27 season.

He spoke to reporters at Bayern's pre-season training camp in Tegernsee about his plans for the future. He hinted at the likelihood of his career ending next summer.

"I don't play the matches just to say, 'This is my last game'.

"It doesn't matter whether this might have been my last time at one stadium or another – we'll see. It certainly looks very much as though I'm going to retire."

Neuer's announcement sets up what will be a year-long farewell tour for the 40-year-old, widely regarded as the greatest goalkeeper of this era.

How Neuer Changed Modern Goalkeeping

It would be wrong to state that Neuer was the first sweeper-keeper in the history of football.

It would be absolutely correct to state, however, that the Germany international was arguably the most important sweeper-keeper in history.

Neuer revolutionised the role of the goalkeeper in Europe with his ability to act as an extra outfield player in possession.

His particular skill-set enabled him to be a tactical weapon for his team in build-up, forcing teams to adapt to playing against him.

Manuel Neuer was also iconic between the sticks, making a series of jaw-dropping saves throughout his professional career for club and country.

Neuer was central to Germany's FIFA World Cup triumph in 2014, as well as trebles for the Bavarians in 2013 and 2020.

The iconic shot-stopper has changed the lens with which goalkeepers are looked at, with their ability to use their feet almost as important as their ability to keep the ball out of their goal.

How Bayern Munich Are Preparing For Life After Neuer

The 40-year-old has given Bayern and Vincent Kompany a significant amount of time to work on a replacement for him.

The club will be able to navigate his exit without the panic of a sudden need for a replacement that often follows the retirement of iconic players.

The Bundesliga giants have a number of goalkeepers in the pipeline, with Jonas Urbig, in particular, tipped to be Neuer's definitive replacement.

Neuer, himself, spoke about the succession plan, pointing out that the goalkeepers at the club will help one another.

"We'll support one another; we've got a strong goalkeeping squad, including Ulle [Sven Ulreich] and the young goalkeepers.

"The important thing is that we help one another, that we push each other, and that we can always give our best for the team in goal."

Urbig, 22, made 20 senior appearances for the Bundesliga giants last season, and is highly-rated in German football.

What Young Goalkeepers Can Learn From Manuel Neuer

Most importantly, the use of both hands and feet cannot be overemphasized in the career of a goalkeeper at the highest level.

Young goalkeepers must train their confidence on the ball and ability to function as key players in build-up, beyond just saving shots.

Neuer has shown that players must build an elite mentality, in addition to their quality on the pitch.

The German superstar suffered a horrific leg fracture in 2022 and managed to return to the highest level, even at his age.

He has also shown young players the importance of controlling the narrative around their careers and announcing significant news at their own preferred times.