Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer received the first red card of his storied 866-match career on Tuesday, December 3, after a foul on Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong during their German Cup Round of 16 clash.
The incident occurred 18 minutes into the match when Neuer, known for his aggressive sweeper-keeper style, rushed out of his box and brought down the advancing Frimpong. Referee Harm Osmers promptly showed Neuer a straight red card, forcing Bayern to play the remainder of the match with 10 players.
With Neuer's dismissal, Israeli goalkeeper Daniel Peretz was brought on for his Bayern debut. The 23-year-old, who joined Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023, had yet to play in a competitive match before this encounter. Neuer was seen apologizing to coach Vincent Kompany as he walked off the field. Despite his disciplinary record, which includes 23 yellow cards in his career, the red card marked a rare misstep in his illustrious career.
At halftime, Germany’s national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, who was serving as a pundit for ARD, described the red card as “indisputable.” Nagelsmann noted, “Understanding space has always been Manu’s strength, but here it might have been better to wait.”
The match was already charged with intensity, with the referee issuing three yellow cards in the first 22 minutes alone. The dismissal of Neuer added to the high stakes of the match, which saw Bayern Munich, 20-time winners of the German Cup, face off against the current cup holders, Bayer Leverkusen.
Neuer’s red card marks a rare blemish in a career that includes a World Cup victory in 2014 and numerous domestic and European titles. Meanwhile, Peretz’s debut under such high-pressure circumstances further highlighted Bayern Munich’s depth in goalkeeping talent.
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