Manuel Neuer surpasses Thomas Müller and Lionel Messi in UEFA Champions League appearances
Manuel Neuer has made UEFA Champions League history, becoming the German player with the most appearances in the competition and moving ahead of Lionel Messi in the all-time rankings.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper made his 164th Champions League appearance in Bayern's 2026/27 league-phase trip to Atlético Madrid. He surpasses former teammate Thomas Müller, who finished his Bayern career with 163 outings, while also moving clear of Messi, who made made 163 appearances for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
Neuer has been a mainstay of Bayern's European campaigns since arriving from Schalke in 2011, helping the club lift the Champions League trophy in 2012/13 and 2019/20.
The legendary German stopper's latest achievement is another testament to his remarkable longevity at the highest level, with the FIFA World Cup 2014 winner continuing to perform among Europe's elite well into his fourth decade.
Watch: What makes Neuer so good?
Only Cristiano Ronaldo (183) and Iker Casillas (177) have featured more often in the Champions League Neuer, who will have the opportunity to extend his tally further as Bayern continue their European campaign in Lille on 25 November.
Earlier this year, Neuer suggested the 2026/27 season could be his last as a player, having not long signed a one-year extension with Bayern through to end of the current campaign.
