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Manuel NeuerGerman footballer, goalkeeper of the team “Bayern Munich
Date of Birth: 27.03.1986
Country: ![]() |
Content:
- Manuel Neuer: Germany's Legendary Goalkeeper
- Breakthrough at Schalke 04
- Inspired by Jens Lehmann
- Bayern Munich Era
- International Success
Manuel Neuer: Germany's Legendary Goalkeeper
Early Life and CareerManuel Neuer was born on March 27, 1986, in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. At the tender age of two, he received his first soccer ball and began his footballing journey at the age of four with his local youth club.
Neuer's parents opted to send him to Gesamtschule Berger Feld, a renowned school known for producing talented soccer players. There, he shared the classroom with future stars like Mesut Özil and his brother Marcel, who later became a soccer referee.
Breakthrough at Schalke 04
Neuer joined the reserve team of Schalke 04 in 2004. A year later, he made his Bundesliga debut, but it wasn't until 2006 that he officially signed a contract with the club.
His rapid ascent caught the attention of football analysts, who predicted a bright future for the young goalkeeper. Little did they know, Neuer would soon become the cornerstone of the German national team and the undisputed number one at Bayern Munich.
Inspired by Jens Lehmann
While Neuer credits Jens Lehmann, Germany's most successful goalkeeper, as an influence, he gradually developed his own unique playing style that was more aggressive and threatening than his predecessors.
He masterfully positioned himself on the penalty line and was fearless in coming out to meet attackers who had broken through the defense. This technique not only reduced the angle but also caught forwards off guard, preventing them from getting close to the goal.
Bayern Munich Era
Neuer's signing with Bayern Munich in 2011 for a €22 million transfer fee made him the second most expensive goalkeeper in football history. Within months, he surpassed the record set by former goalkeeper Oliver Kahn and posted a club record of over 1,000 minutes without conceding a goal.
In the 2012 Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid, Neuer remarkably saved penalties from star players Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaká.
International Success
Neuer made his debut for the German national team in 2009. He played in every match of the 2010 World Cup except the third-place game. He also represented Germany at the 2012 European Championship, where they were eliminated by Italy in the semi-final.
Critics have hailed Neuer's performance at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil as his finest. He guided Germany through the group stage and made several crucial saves in the first round of the knockout phase against Algeria. A dominant 7-1 win over the tournament hosts in the semi-final propelled Germany to their first World Cup final under Neuer.