Manuel Neuer sets Bundesliga record as Bayern Munich’s oldest league player

Manuel Neuer has become the oldest player to appear for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga after being named in the starting line-up against Mainz on Saturday.

The 40-year-old goalkeeper reached the milestone at Opel Arena in the ninth round of the Bundesliga, adding another record to an already distinguished career.

According to Opta, Neuer was aged 40 years and 225 days when he took part in the match, making him the oldest player in Bayern Munich history to feature in a Bundesliga game.

Neuer has also moved into third place on the list of the oldest goalkeepers to play in the competition. Only Uli Stein, who appeared at the age of 42 years and 170 days, and Toni Schumacher, who played aged 42 years and 73 days, rank above him.

The appearance continues a remarkable run of achievements for the Germany international, who has remained a key figure for Bayern Munich despite his age.

Bayern Munich went into the match with confidence after beating Spanish side Atletico Madrid 2-0 in the fourth round of the league phase in the Champions League.

Vincent Kompany’s side had drawn 2-2 with Borussia Dortmund in their previous Bundesliga fixture. That result left Bayern Munich on 18 points at the top of the table, level with Dortmund but ahead on goal difference.

Bayern were also seeking to extend an impressive unbeaten away record in the Bundesliga. They had gone 30 consecutive league matches without defeat on the road, recording 22 wins and eight draws.

Neuer’s latest appearance came as Bayern attempted to maintain their position at the summit while extending that run away from home. The record also underlined his continued importance to the club as the Bundesliga season progressed.

Bayern Munich are scheduled to face Cologne on 20 November 2026, while Augsburg are listed to play Mainz on 22 November 2026.