Jonas Urbig is considered the goalkeeper of the future at FC Bayern. The 23-year-old is expected to eventually succeed Manuel Neuer and, until then, can learn from one of the most successful goalkeepers in soccer history. Marc-André ter Stegen also sees this as a major advantage.
Ahead of the German national team’s Nations League match against the Netherlands, ter Stegen spoke at the final press conference about the goalkeeping situation at the DFB. The national team goalkeeper had words of praise for Urbig and his development in Munich.
“How old is Jonas—23, 24? He’s also a great goalkeeper who hasn’t quite established himself as the undisputed number one at Bayern yet,” ter Stegen said at first, but immediately corrected himself.
Ter Stegen raves about Neuer
Ter Stegen by no means sees it as a flaw that Urbig hasn’t yet become the permanent number one at the record-breaking champions. Rather, he points to the unique competitive dynamic with Neuer.
“That’s not quite the right word, because Manu has always been the number one there. And I think they’ve now developed a good partnership, and he can basically look to him for guidance,” explained the 34-year-old.
In ter Stegen’s view, working alongside Neuer could hardly be more valuable for Urbig’s continued development. “I think that’s very, very important for him. And yes, I think it’s very, very difficult to learn better than by playing alongside Manu.”
Urbig transferred from 1. FC Köln to Munich in early 2025 and was specifically signed by the German record champions as a prospect for the goalkeeper position. For now, however, there’s still no getting past Neuer.
“He’s in a great situation.”
Ter Stegen sees this as a particular advantage for the young Bayern goalkeeper. Urbig can continue to develop without having to shoulder the full responsibility just yet.
“As a result, he’s in a great situation—he doesn’t yet face the maximum pressure, but he can develop well,” emphasized the national team goalkeeper.
Urbig is also playing an increasingly important role with the DFB. Jürgen Klopp named the Bayern pro to his expanded roster for the start of the Nations League. Most recently, BILD reported that Urbig is already ranked behind ter Stegen and ahead of Alexander Nübel in the internal goalkeeper hierarchy.
Given the depth of talent available, ter Stegen himself is optimistic about the coming years. “I think we’re very, very well positioned for the next few years,” he explained.
For Urbig, the current situation could indeed represent a special opportunity: At FC Bayern, he can learn from Neuer every day while simultaneously establishing himself with the DFB for a bigger role in the future.