It's time to retire - Legendary Bayern Munich goalkeeper Oliver Kahn tells Manuel Neuer

Legendary German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn has offered stark advice to Manuel Neuer, suggesting the Bayern Munich and Germany veteran should consider hanging up his gloves before further injuries compromise his career.

Kahn, a former Germany and Bayern Munich shot-stopper himself, believes the 39-year-old has nothing left to prove and that prolonging his career might lead to him missing important games due to fitness issues.

Neuer's susceptibility to injuries has become a growing concern in recent years. He signed a one-year contract extension in late 2024, which will keep him at Bayern until the end of the 2025-26 season, at which point he will be 40.

Last season alone, Neuer suffered a broken rib in December 2024, followed by a muscle tear injury in March 2025, which sidelined him for 10 games for Bayern.

Kahn emphasised that Neuer has surpassed the need to prove himself, advising him to prioritize his well-being.

“The susceptibility to injury is greater. Manuel can still show his qualities. But at this age, a full season in three competitions: That's a huge challenge for the body. At some point, you reach your natural limits,” he told Sport BILD.

"You have to weigh things up: 'Do I go to the coach and take some time off to recover?' He doesn't have to prove anything to anyone anymore! What matters to him is delivering top performances in the big games," Kahn stated.

He also pondered the motivations of athletes at that stage of their careers, drawing a parallel to Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Manuel is experienced enough to assess himself. I don't know what drives Manuel. I watched Cristiano Ronaldo at the Nations League and wondered: 'What motivates him at this age? Does he want more wins and records?' Everyone has to decide that for themselves,”  he added.

Bayern Munich has already begun preparing for the future in goal. While Neuer is still considered the number one, winter arrival Jonas Urbig, a 21-year-old who made eight Bundesliga appearances last season, is expected to receive more game time despite not fully meeting expectations in his first six months.