Speaking on Sky’s Triple – der Hagedorn Fußballtalk, the former Bayern Munich captain said the choice of when to end a career ultimately belongs to the player, but suggested Neuer should consider the consequences of waiting too long.
“I cannot recommend anything to anyone now; that is something a person can only decide for themselves. Things like: when do I stop, when do I retire?” Kahn said.
He then offered a more pointed assessment of the situation facing his former Germany team-mate.
“At some point – and I can slowly see that happening now – it is no longer his own decision, but the decision of others. And you do not need that at the end of such a great career.”
Neuer has already indicated that he is approaching the end of his time as a professional footballer. During the summer, the 40-year-old said it was looking increasingly likely that the 2026/27 campaign would be his final season.
The discussion has also centred on Bayern’s handling of the goalkeeping position. Jonas Urbig, viewed as Neuer’s eventual successor, has been sharing duties with the veteran, a situation Kahn has questioned.
Kahn believes the arrangement risks leaving neither goalkeeper with a clearly defined role. Urbig is a major prospect, but regular opportunities are important if he is to develop into Bayern’s long-term first choice.
Neuer, meanwhile, remains one of the most decorated goalkeepers of his generation. He won the World Cup with Germany in 2014 and collected numerous domestic and European honours with Bayern, making the timing of his departure an important decision for both player and club.
Kahn’s comments do not amount to a direct demand that Neuer retire immediately. Instead, they underline the danger of allowing a celebrated career to reach a point where a club’s decision, rather than the player’s own judgement, determines its end.