Manuel Neuer had skin cancer on his face and had to undergo surgery THREE times

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has revealed that he had skin cancer on his face, which required him to undergo surgery three times.

It is understood by reports in Germany that the goalkeeper is not considered a doubt for the World Cup following his three operations.

Neuer took to Instagram on Wednesday to share that he has been suffering from skin cancer, having now invested in a sun cream with tennis player Angelique Kerber.

He said in the video: ‘We both have a history of skin diseases. In my case, skin cancer on my face, which required three surgeries. 

‘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.’ 

Neuer pictured with a scar on his face during Bayern Munich’s clash with Dortmund in 2021 

As reported by Bild, speculation about a possible illness started in December 2021, when the 36-year-old was walking around with a noticeable plaster on his face ahead of Bayern Munich’s Champions League clash against Barcelona.

Neuer, who went under the knife three times in an effort to treat the cancer, still has the facial scar today. 

The German started the first nine league games of the season at Bayern Munich before suffering a shoulder injury, which has kept him out of action since early October.

The Bayern Munich captain, 36, marshalled his side to yet another Bundesliga triumph in May

Neuer is fighting to rebuild his fitness ahead of this month’s World Cup, although it is believed the skin cancer will not impact his availability for Germany ahead of Hansi Flick’s squad selection. 

The Bayern Munich captain lifted his 10th Bundesliga trophy in as many years with the German giants this summer, having also chalked up two Champions League trophies during his 11-year spell at the club.

Neuer, who is widely considered one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation, could be set for his last major international tournament in Qatar, having made 113 captain for Germany since his senior debut in 2009.