Manuel Neuer moves above Lionel Messi in Champions League appearance rankings

Manuel Neuer became the most-capped German player in UEFA Champions League history after making his 164th appearance in Bayern Munich’s match against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday evening.

The Bayern goalkeeper started the game in the fourth round of the league phase, surpassing former team-mate Thomas Muller’s record of 163 appearances in the competition, according to statistics from Squawka.

Neuer’s latest milestone also moved him into third place in the all-time Champions League appearance list. He overtook both Lionel Messi and Muller, who have each played 163 matches in the tournament.

Ronaldo and Casillas remain ahead

Only Cristiano Ronaldo and Iker Casillas have made more Champions League appearances than Neuer.

Portugal forward Ronaldo leads the historical standings with 183 matches, while former Spain and Real Madrid goalkeeper Casillas is second on 177.

The top five, based on Squawka’s figures, are:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – 183 appearances
2. Iker Casillas – 177 appearances
3. Manuel Neuer – 164 appearances
4. Lionel Messi – 163 appearances
5. Thomas Muller – 163 appearances