Bayern Keeper Jonas Urbig Cautious About National Team

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, August 6, 2026

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Jonas Urbig remains uncertain about his future role with the German national team despite his increased playing time and status as Manuel Neuer’s likely successor. With Neuer nearing retirement and other national options facing challenges, Urbig is poised to become Germany’s long-term starting goalkeeper if he continues to develop.

Jonas Urbig, Bayern Munich’s emerging goalkeeper, has expressed caution regarding his prospects with the German national team despite his growing role at the club. Speaking on Wednesday upon Bayern’s arrival in Hong Kong for a pre-season friendly against Aston Villa, Urbig acknowledged that his future involvement with the senior national squad remains an open question.

The 22-year-old shot-stopper joined Bayern in January 2025 and has since appeared in 32 matches for the Bundesliga champions, including 20 appearances last season. He is widely regarded as the designated successor to veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who, at 40, has indicated that the upcoming season will likely be his last. Neuer is expected to continue sharing goalkeeping duties with Urbig between the Bundesliga and German Cup competitions.

Urbig’s international experience includes serving as a training partner during the recent World Cup alongside Neuer, Oliver Baumann, and Alexander Nübel. While he has yet to earn a senior cap, supporters of the national team consider him a strong candidate to eventually take on the starting role. Current options include Baumann, 36, who has struggled with injuries, long-term injured Marc-André ter Stegen, 34, and Nübel, 29, none of whom are viewed as long-term starting solutions.

Reflecting on the pre-season trip to Asia, Urbig described the enthusiastic fan reception in Hong Kong as a novel and positive experience. Bayern are set to face Aston Villa on Friday before returning to Germany for additional tune-up matches: against RB Leipzig on August 15 and against relegated Heidenheim on August 18.

The Bundesliga champions will commence their competitive season on August 22 with the German Super Cup against Borussia Dortmund. Their first league fixture follows on August 28 versus VfB Stuttgart.

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