Manuel Neuer: Bayern Munich's unyielding wall reaches another milestone

Manuel Neuer: Bayern Munich's unyielding wall reaches another milestone

Eric Munene • 21:30 - 14.05.2024

Manuel Neuer celebrates his 500th Bundesliga appearance cementing his legacy as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history.

German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has reached yet another milestone in his remarkable career marking his 500th Bundesliga appearance in Bayern Munich's 2-0 victory against Wolfsburg on Sunday. 

The win, secured early in the match with goals from Lovro Zvonarek and Leon Goretzka showcased Neuer’s enduring presence and influence in the team.

Neuer has played 344 of these matches for Bayern Munich following his first 156 appearances for his boyhood club, Schalke 04.

At 38 years old, Neuer joins an elite group of goalkeepers in the Bundesliga, becoming only the fourth to achieve this milestone after legends Oliver Kahn (557), Eike Immel (534), and Uli Stein (512).

Throughout his career, Neuer has collected an impressive 29 titles with Bayern Munich. His trophy cabinet includes two historic trebles, where Bayern won the Bundesliga, DFB Cup, and Champions League in both 2013 and 2020. These achievements have solidified his status as one of the game's greats.

Neuer’s individual accolades are equally impressive. He has been named Germany’s Footballer of the Year twice (2011 and 2014), Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper in 2020, and IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper of the Decade (2011–2020). 

In terms of Bundesliga records, Neuer stands alone as the most decorated goalkeeper, boasting 11 league titles. 

Oliver Kahn ranks second with eight, while only Neuer’s teammate Thomas Müller has won more league titles. Neuer also holds the Bundesliga record for the most clean sheets in a single season, with 21 during the 2015/16 campaign.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Neuer's career is his record of conceding fewer goals than games played. Before the Wolfsburg match, he had conceded 423 goals in 499 Bundesliga appearances.

Neuer has revolutionized the role of the goalkeeper often displaying skills more commonly associated with outfield players. 

Describing Neuer as the Thanos of the goalkeeping universe one can say he has gathered all the infinity stones in his career. 

With his career far from over Neuer continues to add to his legacy proving that he is not only a guardian of Bayern’s fortress but also a timeless icon in the world of football.

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