When FC Bayern visits FC Schalke 04 on Saturday evening, the spotlight won’t just be on Manuel Neuer’s return to Gelsenkirchen. The match also features a historic first that has never before occurred in the history of the Bundesliga.
With Neuer and Edin Dzeko, this will be the first time in a Bundesliga match that two professional players who have both already celebrated their 40th birthdays face off against each other. Two of the most successful players of their generation continue to defy their age and remain on the biggest soccer stage even at 40.
For both players, this matchup also holds special significance due to their pasts. Neuer was born in Gelsenkirchen, came up through all of the Royal Blues’ youth teams, and made the leap to becoming a Bundesliga pro at Schalke. Dzeko, on the other hand, knows the Bundesliga inside and out from his successful time with VfL Wolfsburg.
Two 40-Year-Olds Make Bundesliga History
It’s happened before that a single player has taken the field in the Bundesliga even after turning 40. However, having two 40-year-olds face off in a league match would be a first.
Neuer and Dzeko both celebrated their 40th birthdays in March. While Neuer remains the starting goalkeeper for FC Bayern, Dzeko is expected to use his vast experience to help the Bundesliga newcomer from Gelsenkirchen.
So on Saturday, two players who have shaped European soccer for many years will face off. Neuer won the 2014 World Cup with Germany and has celebrated numerous national and international titles with Bayern. Dzeko has made a name for himself in the Bundesliga, the Premier League, and Serie A, among other leagues.
What’s particularly remarkable: Despite their age, both continue to play at the highest level. Neuer leads Bayern as captain, while Dzeko can be a valuable asset for Schalke—especially in tough matches—thanks to his experience and physical presence.
Neuer and Dzeko share a common history
Of course, the two veterans aren’t complete strangers to each other. They faced off as early as Dzeko’s first stint in the Bundesliga. The Bosnian played for VfL Wolfsburg from 2007 to early 2011 and sensationally won the German championship with the Lower Saxony club in 2009.
At that time, Neuer was still in goal for Schalke. Just a few months after Dzeko’s move to Manchester City, the goalkeeper joined FC Bayern in the summer of 2011.
Fifteen years later, the two are set to face off in the Bundesliga once again—under completely different circumstances. Neuer is returning to his youth club as a Bayern legend, while Dzeko, after his long international career, is back in the Bundesliga playing for Schalke of all teams.
From a sporting perspective, this head-to-head matchup could also be intriguing. Should Dzeko see action against Bayern, he’s likely to be one of Schalke’s most dangerous weapons, particularly on high balls and set pieces. Neuer could thus be put to the test right away.
Even before kickoff, however, one thing is certain: This matchup has secured its place in Bundesliga history. Two 40-year-old soccer legends in a league game—that’s never happened before.