Manuel Friedrich is a German footballer who plays for Bayer 04 Leverkusen as a central defender.

In July 2007, Friedrich moved to Bayer 04 Leverkusen, continuing to be an everpresent defensive unit, and contributing – early in his first campaign – to consecutive home wins against Karlsruher SC (3–0) and VfL Bochum (2–0).He scored ten league goals in his first three seasons combined.

Friedrich could only appear in 19 games in 2010–11 due to injury, with Leverkusen finishing in second position and qualifying to the UEFA Champions League. In that competition, on 23 November 2011, he headed home in the last-minute to help the hosts come from behind against Chelsea to win it 2–1.