Manuel Neuer reveals he had skin cancer on his face and needed operations | OneFootball

Manuel Neuer has revealed that he has had cancer on his face, with the German shot-stopper having to undergo surgery three times, but he will be fit for the World Cup in Qatar later this month.

Following the three operations, reports in Germany are confident he isn’t a doubt for the major tournament as he looks to become a two-time winner of international football’s biggest prize. Although currently sidelined for a different injury, his skin cancer won’t prevent him competing in what will likely be his last ever World Cup.

He announced the news on his Instagram account, confirming that he has been suffering from skin cancer, leading to him having to wear a plaster on his face whilst playing. He has invested in a sun cream with tennis player, Angelique Kerber, with him focussing on that in his announcement.

Manuel Neuer confirms he has cancer

Speaking in a video on his Intagram account, Neuer said: “We both have a history of skin diseases. In my case, skin cancer on my face, which required three surgeries.

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“When it comes to sunscreen, 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 essential 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 with which hardly anything can burn.”

Manuel Neuer has suffered from cancer, undergoing three surgeries in the last 12 months

It was speculated that Neuer was suffering from something, when he started wearing a noticeable plaster on his face last December, with the surgeries leaving him with a facial scar today.

He has played on despite the diagnosis, with his health clearly not seriously impacted by the illness, which is great to see. A shoulder injury however has kept him out recently, but suffering from cancer won’t impact his availability for Hansi Flick’s squad to travel to Qatar.

Thankfully, the Bayern Munich number one appears to be free from his illness, although the scar is a constant reminder of what he has gone through, what a story it would be if he could overcome his shoulder injury and lead his nation to glory again!