Matthew calls for another star
Neuer should give up the captaincy at FC Bayern
Jan 7, 2025 – 10:06 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Manuel Neuer has been captain at FC Bayern since 2017. If Lothar Matthäus had his way, he would soon be out of this position – for a special reason.
Manuel Neuer will be 39 years old in March. He ended his career in the German national team after the European Championships last year. His contract with FC Bayern expires in the summer. But the 2014 world champion is probably not putting an end to professional football.
According to media reports, Neuer will probably extend his contract with FC Bayern by another year until 2026. This should also mean that the goalkeeper will continue to lead his team onto the field as captain. He has worn the Munich armband since 2017 and was also captain of the German national team (2016 to 2023).
Ex-national player Lothar Matthäus, speaking to “Sport Bild”, now wants Neuer to give up his position at FC Bayern despite the pending contract extension – or, in case of doubt, that the club will even take it away from him. Joshua Kimmich should benefit from this.
Background to Matthäus’ words: Kimmich’s contract in Munich expires in the summer. FC Bayern wants to extend his contract and lured the 29-year-old in November with the captain’s armband after the Neuer era.
“In addition to financial and sporting aspects, why not create another incentive for Joshua Kimmich with an extension?” Matthäus now asks. “To hold both positions at the same time is something historic that would appeal to him and would be a great honor.” Because: After Neuer’s departure from the national team, Kimmich became his successor as captain there.
At Bayern he might have to wait for this role – at least until Neuer is no longer captain of the German record champions. Matthäus would prefer this step from a club perspective. “Those responsible at FC Bayern and Vincent Kompany should think about whether they promote Kimmich to captain early – despite Manuel Neuer and Thomas Müller,” said the TV expert. “And I say that with all respect for Neuer and Müller.”
Matthäus even thinks that a change of captain in the winter is definitely worth discussing. However, this could cause unrest in the club before the start of the second half of the season. “But by the new season at the latest, I would make Joshua Kimmich captain – despite an impending extension for Neuer,” says Matthäus.
The 63-year-old also believes that giving up the armband would not be a problem for Neuer. “Manuel could handle that, he doesn’t have to insist on taking office after all these years,” emphasizes Matthäus.