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Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has added yet another landmark to European football history after starting against Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League. The 40-year-old shot-stopper has now played in 18 different European campaigns for the Bavarian club, moving past the long-standing club record previously held by former team-mate Thomas Muller.

Veteran goalkeeper reaches milestone

Bayern’s experienced keeper Neuer officially etched his name into the Champions League record books after being named in the starting line-up against Bodo/Glimt in Thursday’s 2026-27 opener. That outing means Neuer has now represented Die Roten over 18 separate seasons in Europe’s top club competition, overtaking Muller’s earlier mark of 17. Achieving that feat at the age of 40 further strengthens the captain’s status as one of the most enduring figures in Bayern’s history.

Treble dream still alive

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the veteran goalkeeper made clear his strong belief and lofty ambitions for the ongoing campaign.

Explaining what continues to drive him to compete at the top level, Neuer said: "I'm going into the season to achieve everything we can achieve. I think we have it in our team. That's also the reason I decided to continue. I know that everything is possible with this team, coaching staff and our spirit."

Highlighting his aim of winning a third European title with Bayern after the triumphs of 2013 and 2020, the skipper added: "It would mean a lot for me to win the Champions League title for the third time. We know we'll be facing tough teams, we just have to do our homework and focus on the start."

Sweeper-keeper changed the game

Since joining from Schalke in 2011, Neuer has transformed modern goalkeeping with his proactive sweeper-keeper approach, regularly moving off his line to cut out danger and launch attacks. As well as collecting 139 European appearances for Bayern and 22 for Schalke, the captain is now sharing responsibilities with highly rated youngster Jonas Urbig, who is being prepared as his long-term successor. Bayern’s hierarchy are continuing to handle the veteran’s minutes carefully in order to preserve him for the biggest matches.

Gruelling league phase ahead

Bayern will now switch focus to a demanding league-phase fixture list featuring major contests against Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Manchester United, and Real Betis. Neuer’s calmness and vast experience in Europe remain crucial for the coaching staff as they look for defensive assurance on the continental stage. With his current Bayern contract running until June 2027, every further appearance this season will add even more weight to the veteran goalkeeper’s already remarkable European legacy.