The question of the future of Bayern’s goalkeeping is likely to gain further momentum after the first half of the season. Captain Manuel Neuer remains the clear number one, but has not always been stable. Stand-in keeper Jonas Urbig has impressed in his appearances and is making a lasting contribution.
Manuel Neuer played 20 competitive matches for FC Bayern in the first half of the season. With a save percentage of 66.7%, six games without conceding a goal and a sofascore rating of 6.87, the veteran delivers decent figures on paper. However, Neuer showed unusual insecurities in the big games in particular and several slip-ups – including against Arsenal – led to criticism.
The 39-year-old was injured again at the end of the year. The torn muscle fibre was not his first muscle injury in 2025 and is a further indication that his physical resilience is increasingly reaching its limits. Even if his authority is unbroken, doubts are growing about his long-term reliability. What’s more, his contract expires in the summer of 2026 and a decision on an extension is still pending. FCBinside grade: 3
Urbig is convincing and could soon succeed Neuer
Jonas Urbig appeared in five competitive matches and made consistent use of his chances. The 22-year-old conceded an average of just 0.60 goals, saved 72.7 per cent of all shots and was rated better than Neuer with an average rating of 7.02. In three appearances, he did not concede a goal.
Although signed as a prospect, Urbig has been remarkably calm and consistent in his role as a challenger. The youngster exuded calm and saved his team from dicey moments, not least recently in the away game in Heidenheim. FCBinside rating: 2
There is still no discussion about the hierarchy. Neuer is at the front, Urbig behind. But the impressions of the first half of the season show that the clock is ticking. Urbig has everything it takes to be more than a solid substitute in the medium term. The facts already speak in his favour: better odds, higher rating, strong development.
How long he can manage the balancing act between experience and new beginnings will be a key question in the second half of the season – and beyond.