Manuel Neuer and wife Annika separate months after birth of second child

Manuel Neuer has separated from his wife Annika Neuer, according to German media reports, only a short time after the couple welcomed their second child.

The report by Bild says the Bayern Munich goalkeeper and captain has split from Annika, 26, following the birth of their second child at the end of August. The baby joined their older son Luca, who is two years old.

Neuer was approached for comment but declined to speak about the separation. His media adviser said the Germany goalkeeper preferred not to discuss his private and family life.

Annika has not commented on the report.

The development comes around a year and a half after the couple held a lavish wedding celebration in South Tyrol in July 2025. The festivities lasted several days and included gatherings on the shores of Lake Kaltern, romantic ceremonies, live music and dancing, as well as a final celebration beside a swimming pool.

Neuer and Annika had previously married in a private civil ceremony in November 2023. The service took place at Tegernsee town hall and was held away from public attention.

Their marriage became known more widely after Annika changed her surname on Instagram from Bissel to Neuer.

Neuer’s previous relationships

The separation is not the first high-profile relationship to end in Neuer’s personal life.

Before marrying Annika, he was in a five-year relationship with Kathrin Gilch. The couple had been planning to marry and build a home together.

Gilch attended the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and celebrated with Neuer on the pitch after Germany won the tournament.

Shortly after the competition ended, Neuer’s agent confirmed that the relationship had ended several weeks earlier. At the time, the agent said the details were private and would not be discussed by the goalkeeper or his representatives.

Neuer’s first marriage, to dressage rider Nina Neuer, also ended in divorce. They married in 2017 before separating in 2020.

The latest reports highlight Neuer’s longstanding preference for keeping his family affairs away from the media. He rarely speaks publicly about his relationships, despite the interest in his life away from football.

The goalkeeper has generally maintained a clear divide between his professional career and his private life, including during periods that have attracted significant coverage in the German press.