Manuel Neuer's wife decides to pause her sports career to spend more time with their son

Bayern Munich star Manuel Neuer has been married to 24-year-old professional handball player Anika Bissel since November 2023, and together they are raising a son. It is precisely because of their child that Anika has decided to put her sports career on hold—according to The Sun, she stated her desire to devote more time to their son.

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It's worth noting that their son, Luca, was born last year, after the couple secretly tied the knot in November 2023.

"The decision was very difficult for me. I really like the team and I really enjoy playing with the girls. I don't see the break as the end of my handball career; I just want to have more time for my son. I will miss the girls and handball very much, so I want to particularly enjoy the final games and finish our great season in the best possible way," Bissel said.

Anika plays for ESV 1927 Regensburg, a club competing in the German second division.

Additionally, 39-year-old Manuel Neuer has extended his contract with Bayern until the summer of 2026. The German goalkeeper is currently sidelined due to a shin injury, which he sustained in an unusual way—while celebrating a goal.