Sven Ulreich extends his contract with Bayern Munich until 2026. The veteran goalkeeper has made over 100 appearances since 2015, winning 20 major trophies, and remains a key figure behind the scenes as Bayern plans for life after Manuel Neuer.

Sven Ulreich has officially extended his contract with Bayern Munich until the summer of 2026, further solidifying his place as one of the most dependable and respected figures in the club's modern history.

At 36 years old, Ulreich remains firmly committed to the German champions, even as he continues to play a supporting role behind the legendary Manuel Neuer. The extension is not only a testament to his loyalty but also to the invaluable role he plays within the squad both on and off the pitch.

Ulreich joined Bayern Munich from VfB Stuttgart in the summer of 2015, arriving as a seasoned Bundesliga goalkeeper with nearly a decade of experience. At the time, the move was seen as a career shift from being a starter in Stuttgart to becoming a reliable backup at a club with far greater ambitions. For many players, that type of transition might have led to obscurity or frustration, but Ulreich embraced his new role with professionalism, humility, and unwavering commitment.

Since then, he has gone on to make 103 official appearances for Bayern in all competitions, a remarkable achievement for a goalkeeper who was never the undisputed number one. Those appearances include Bundesliga fixtures, DFB-Pokal ties, Champions League matches, and even vital encounters during title races or injury crises. Whenever Manuel Neuer was unavailable due to injury or rest Ulreich stepped in with confidence, often providing steady and assured performances under immense pressure.

During his time with the club, Ulreich has amassed a trophy cabinet that would be the envy of most professional players: nine Bundesliga titles, three DFB-Pokal victories, six DFL-Supercups, one UEFA Champions League title, and one UEFA Super Cup. While many of these were won with him on the bench, his influence within the team goes far beyond the minutes he plays. In training, in the locker room, and during matches, Ulreich has earned a reputation as a calm presence, a supportive teammate, and a true professional who puts the team above himself.

Sporting director Max Eberl was full of praise following the announcement, stating, “Sven Ulreich is the embodiment of reliability: he delivers on what he promises, in every sense of the word. Players like him are good for any team. We’re very happy he’s staying with us.” This sentiment reflects what many within the club players, staff, and management feel about Ulreich. He is seen not only as a safety net between the posts but also as a mentor and a role model, particularly for younger players coming through the ranks.

Ulreich’s continued presence also adds strategic value. With Manuel Neuer approaching the twilight of his career he turns 39 in March 2025 and younger goalkeepers like Daniel Peretz developing in the background, Ulreich offers both experience and transitional support. He knows the club, the expectations, and the pressure better than most, and Bayern clearly value that continuity as they plan for life beyond Neuer.

Interestingly, this is not Ulreich’s first contract extension in recent years. After briefly leaving Bayern in 2020 to join Hamburg in the 2. Bundesliga, he returned to Munich just a year later, as the club once again sought stability in the goalkeeper position. His return was welcomed by staff and teammates alike, and since then, he has reaffirmed his importance as a reliable backup who never complains, always trains at a high level, and brings unity to the dressing room.

Unlike many players who grow restless without regular first-team football, Ulreich has openly accepted his role and flourished within it. In interviews, he’s often emphasized the pride he feels representing Bayern, the unique culture of the club, and the high standards required even in training sessions. His mentality that of a team-first, ego-free professional has made him one of the most respected squad members in Munich, and a quiet leader whose voice carries weight.

The extension also reflects Bayern’s broader strategy under Max Eberl and the club’s new sporting leadership. While the club remains focused on building for the future including identifying a long-term successor to Neuer it understands the value of stability and experience, especially in goalkeeping roles where trust and consistency are paramount.

Ulreich is now on track to spend more than a decade at Bayern Munich an extraordinary feat in modern football, especially for a player who has spent most of his time as a number two. His loyalty, performance, and attitude serve as a reminder that success in football isn’t always about the spotlight sometimes, it's about showing up every day, doing your job to the highest standard, and being ready when your moment comes.