Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has revealed that he has been suffering from facial skin cancer, which required him to undergo three surgeries.
However, it is understood by reports in Germany that the shot stopper will not miss the World Cup as a result of the cancer, although he is still battling for fitness after suffering a shoulder injury last month.
Neuer took to Instagram on Wednesday to reveal that he has been suffering from skin cancer, having now invested in a sunscreen with tennis star Angelique Kerber.
He said in the video: ‘We both have a history of skin conditions. In my case skin cancer on the face, which required three operations.
“When it comes to sun protection, we have therefore paid attention to maximum protection.
‘Since we train outside all the time and also like to spend our free time in nature, it is important for us to start with modern sun protection filters and a sun protection factor of 50+.
“So we know for sure that we have a sunscreen that protects us continuously and that almost nothing can burn.”
Manuel Neuer revealed that he had skin cancer on his face and needed three operations
Neuer has now invested in a sunscreen with German tennis star Angelique Kerber (L)
As reported by Bild, speculation about a possible illness began in December 2021, when the 36-year-old walked around with a noticeable patch on his face ahead of Bayern Munich’s Champions League match against Barcelona.
Neuer, who went under the knife three times in an attempt to treat the cancer, still has the facial scar today.
The German started the first nine league games of the Bayern Munich season before suffering a shoulder problem, which has kept him out of action since early October.
Neuer said soccer players needed better protection from the sun when training and playing outdoors
Neuer pictured with a scar on his face during Bayern Munich’s clash with Dortmund in 2021
Kerber, 34, is a three-time Grand Slam winner and former Wimbledon champion
Neuer is struggling to rebuild his fitness ahead of this month’s World Cup, although it is believed the skin cancer will not affect his availability for Germany ahead of Hansi Flick’s squad selection.
Kerber, a three-time Grand Slam winner, has also suffered from skin conditions as she has sun-induced hyperpigmentation.
The lifelong condition, which is easily treated, is caused by exposure to the sun and leads to spots or patches that appear brown, black, grey, red or pink on the skin.
Melanoma and non-melanoma are the two main types of skin cancer, the latter of which is one of the most common forms of cancer in the world.
According to the Robert Koch Institute, about 22,411 people in Germany were diagnosed with a malignant melanoma of the skin – about equally divided between men and women.
Around 4,000 people died of skin cancer in the country in 2020, Federal Statistical Office records show.
Neuer hopes to be fit in time to play for Germany at the World Cup in Qatar this winter
Neuer lifted his 10th Bundesliga trophy in as many years with Bayern this summer, having also claimed two Champions League trophies during his 11-year spell at the club.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation, the Bayern goalkeeper could be set for his final major international tournament in Qatar, having made 113 caps for Germany since his senior debut in 2009.
The goalkeeper returned to Bayern Munich training this week in a bid to return ahead of Flick’s final 26-man squad for Qatar, which must be submitted by November 13.
Germany are still blessed with options between the sticks without Neuer, with Barcelona star Marc-Andre ter Stegen and in-form Eintracht Frankfurt striker Kevin Trapp, but his presence in the dressing room could be a big miss for the 2014 World Cup champions.
Bayern Munich head coach Julian Nagelsmann hinted that Neuer could be back in contention ahead of the Bundesliga giants’ trip to Hertha Berlin on Saturday.
“We hope he will be available again this weekend,” he declared ahead of his side’s confident 2-0 win against Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday.
– He got through training well and showed no reaction. But we’ll have to wait and see.
Kerber, one of the stars of the women’s game, is a three-time Grand Slam winner and former Wimbledon champion.
The German star won the Australian Open and US Open in 2016 before lifting the Wimbledon title two years later.
Kerber announced in August that she was taking a break from the game because she is pregnant and missed the US Open as a result.
She said on Twitter: “I really wanted to play the US Open but in the end I decided two to one is not a fair competition.
“For the next few months I will be taking a break from traveling the world as a tennis player, but I think it will be for the best possible reason! I will miss you all.
“New York has often been a turning point in my career and it feels like this year will be no different, from restarting my career in 2011 to winning the title in 2016 and becoming world number one.
“The US Open has a special place in my heart and I wish I could have said goodbye to all of you on the course before I haven’t been on tour for a while.
“Being a professional athlete means everything to me but I am grateful for the new path I am heading towards.
– To be honest, I’m nervous and excited at the same time. Thank you for your continued support – it means everything to me.’
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