Bild exclusive: Manuel Neuer separates from 26-year-old wife 2 months after birth of 2nd child

According to an exclusive report by German newspaper Bild, Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has separated from his wife, Anika Neuer, and their marriage has ended. The news comes just 2 months after Anika gave birth to their 2nd child at the end of August.

Bild understands that Manuel Neuer has separated from his wife. The news comes as a surprise, as Anika had just given birth to their son at the end of August, making 2-year-old Luca an elder brother, and their family life seemed perfect at the time. However, the marriage has now come to an end.

When Bild asked Neuer to comment on the separation, he declined. His media adviser said the matter concerned the football star’s private life and family affairs. Anika had not responded to inquiries by the time of publication.

Anika was by Neuer’s side during the 2026 World Cup. She was pregnant with their 2nd child at the time and traveled to the United States with their son, Luca. Neuer’s mother also accompanied them and was pictured holding Luca.

Neuer and Anika’s lavish wedding took place less than a year and a half ago. In July 2025, the couple held a multi-day celebration in South Tyrol. Bild reported extensively on the wedding at the time, covering a party at Lake Caldaro, romantic vows, their sweet dance and kiss, a disco and Ibiza-style music party, and, finally, a pool party.

In fact, the couple had secretly registered their marriage in November 2023. Bild learned at the time that the wedding had taken place at Tegernsee Town Hall, with only their closest family and friends in attendance. Their marriage became public after Anika changed her surname from Bissel to Neuer on social media.

During the 2024 European Championship, Anika also attended matches in a German national team jersey to support her husband.

Manuel Neuer and Anika officially began dating in 2020. They reportedly first met at an airport, where Anika asked Neuer for a photo. They later connected on social media and developed feelings for each other.

This is not the 1st unexpected breakup in the Bayern star's personal life.

After winning the 2014 World Cup, Manuel Neuer ended his relationship with his longtime girlfriend, Kathrin Gilch. The couple had been together for 5 years and had planned to build a house and get married.

Kathrin Gilch is a professional hairdresser. During the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, she accompanied and supported Manuel Neuer, even celebrating with him on the pitch after his team lifted the trophy. Shortly after the tournament, however, Neuer unexpectedly ended their relationship.

At the time, Manuel Neuer's management team confirmed the news, stating: "It is true. Manuel and Kathrin broke up a few weeks ago. All other matters concern their private lives, and we will not comment further."

Additionally, Manuel Neuer's 1st marriage, to dressage rider Nina Neuer, ended in divorce, with reports indicating that he was again the 1 to initiate the breakup. The couple married in 2017 and divorced in 2020. Nina Neuer now has a new partner and became a mother for the 1st time in September 2026.

Manuel Neuer’s marriage to his 1st wife, Nina Neuer, lasted approximately 3 years.

For years, Neuer has cut a tough and decisive figure on the pitch, while keeping his private life low-key and friendly in public. His relationships suggest he has also tended to handle breakups decisively.