On a snowy slope in Italy one fateful day in the closing days of 2022, Bayern Munich’s world changed in an instant.
Coming off a bitterly disappointing group stage exit at the FIFA 2022 Men’s World Cup, Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer — Germany’s No. 1 — set out to vent his frustrations on a set of skis. But in a freak accident his season, and nearly his career, was over.
“I don’t know what my life would be like if I couldn’t play football again. If you asked the medical staff and rehab team, they wouldn’t believe where I am today. I think probably only one or two people out of 10 would recover from that injury,” Neuer revealed in a recent interview with UEFA.com, as captured by @iMiaSanMia.
The fallout from Neuer’s injury changed the fates of many, and sent Bayern’s promising 2022 campaign into a downward spiral. Now, though, Neuer is back and stronger than ever — and, despite recent on-field setbacks with Bayern, was tasked by Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann to once again be the man between the sticks at what may be his send-off tournament in EURO 2024.
Looking for more thoughts on Bayern Munich’s transfer strategy for the summer, including which players we would not mind seeing brought in? What about some ideas on whether or not Bayern Munich is set up to play a 4-4-2? Want even more? Well, we also have takes on Joshua Kimmich’s future in Bavaria, the German national team’s potential cut down, and Julian Nagelsmann’s possible mistake with Germany. Sound good? Then we have you covered with our Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show, which is available on Spotify or below: