The Bayern goalkeeper may never serve a suspension for the first red card of his career

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been handed a two-match DFB Cup ban for the first red card of his career – meaning the Germany legend will never serve his sentence if he stops playing in his homeland when his contract expires in June.

Captain Neuer was dismissed for the first time in 864 club and international games in the 17th minute of Bayern's round of 16 tie against Bayer Leverkusen at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday after breaking out of his penalty area and bringing down Jeremy Frimpong.

The DFB confirmed that Neuer will be ineligible for the first two rounds of the competition next season, by which time he will be 39.

Manuel Neuer is off! 🥇

The Bayern goalkeeper came out of his penalty area and hit Jeremy Frimpong 😱 pic.twitter.com/EBzdZV4WUy

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) December 3, 2024

Manuel Neuer contract, retirement

Neuer announced his international retirement this season after winning 124 caps since 2009 and helping Germany win the 2014 World Cup.

When he extended his contract with Bayern to 2023, Neuer said one of his goals was to reach this season's Champions League final in Munich.

With Neuer starting all five of their European matches this season, Bayern have won three and lost two to move into 13th place, which would mean a play-off for a place in the knockout stages if they prove their finishing position.

Regular pundit Sven Ulreich is also under contract until 2025, while colleague Daniel Perec is under contract until 2028.

The Israeli no. 1 Peretz replaced Leroy Sane to take Neuer's place against Leverkusen and could do little for Nathan Tella's second-half header for the game's only goal.

Toni Kroos reacts to Manuel Neuer's apology on IG: “Stop apologizing! 🐐' pic.twitter.com/vpCtZEAc4Y

– Bayern and Germany (@iMiaSanMia) December 4, 2024

Neuer “powerless” because of the red card

Bayern's elimination represented their first home defeat of the season and Neuer contested his dismissal after the game.

“The sending off hurts, of course,” Neuer told Sky Kickerhaving seen red for the first time in 864 club and international matches.

“It's not really an active situation where I'm trying to hurt him.” But the thing is, I don't really touch the ball. He runs into me… but after I miss the ball, (the challenge is) OK for me. In the end, you are powerless and must accept what is decided.”

The 11-time Bundesliga winner and two-time Champions League winner is likely to be back in goal when Bayern host third-bottom Heidenheim on Saturday (2.30pm GMT) and travel to Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday ( 20:00).