His wife, 15 years younger than him, announced her temporary "retirement", while Neuer 39 years old continues his football career

According to the Daily Mail, Bayern goalkeeper Neuer's wife Anika decided to temporarily withdraw from professional handball after the end of this season.

Anika, now 24, has been the left winger of Regensburg 1927, a second-tier team for German women’s handball. She has been passionate about the sport since she was a child, but she may have surprised many fans by choosing to quit the sport at least temporarily later this year.

Anika confirmed the news in a statement, saying: "This decision was very tough for me. I really like the team and enjoy playing with my teammates."

"I don't think this break means the end of my handball career; I just want to have more time with my son. I will miss the girls and handball that I play side by side with, so I want to especially enjoy the final game and end our great season in the best way."

Anika often appears in scenes where Neuer plays for Bayern and Germany

Anika's coach Bernhard Goldbach said: "The achievements Anika has made on and off the court in the season are impressive. She is stronger than ever after returning from maternity leave and has participated in all competitions of the season. We can only pay tribute to it. ”

Anika was deeply influenced by sports while growing up, and her father was the chairman of the board of supervisors of a local club, HC Erlangen. She and Neuer (15 years older than his wife) got married in November 2023 and welcomed their son Luca in March last year. The marriage ceremony was held secretly and the official announcement never made, but Anika quickly changed her last name to "Neul" on social media. Although she decided to quit the handball world for her son, her husband Neuer will continue to play for Bayern Munich.

However, the German goalkeeper was injured while celebrating his 3-0 victory over rival Leverkusen in March and has been unable to play. Neuer appeared to have injured his calf when celebrating Musiara's goal that night, so he was replaced in the 58th minute. Neuer was injured while celebrating Musiara's goal against Leverkusen

Neuer recently renewed his one-year contract with Bayern Munich, which will keep him at the club until the summer of 2026, by then he will be 40 years old.

The relationship between the handball player and Bayern Munich goalkeeper and captain has caused great controversy. Not only because of the age gap of 15, but also because Neuer left his wife Nina Weis, who had been married for Anika.

In 2019, Nina Weiss discovered that her husband had an affair with a fashion business school student from Munich, who is also a handball star. After ending his marriage to the football player, Nina Weiss left their home in Munich and headed for Berlin.