# German national team goalkeeping succession

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/german-national-team-goalkeeping-succession
> Updated: 2026-10-05T01:07:39.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 4.

Discussions regarding the future of the German national team’s goalkeeping position have emerged following the retirement of Manuel Neuer. Former international Bernd Leno identified Jonas Urbig as a potential successor, suggesting that Urbig could ‘shape an era for the national team’ if he establishes himself at Bayern Munich. Leno also praised the talent and reflexes of Urbig and identified Noah Atubolu as another highly talented goalkeeper possessing the necessary mentality to compete at the highest level. As competition for the position intensifies, Marc-André ter Stegen has been named the current number one by national team coach Jürgen Klopp. In a recent Nations League match against the Netherlands in Amsterdam, ter Stegen returned to the starting lineup and earned ‘Man of the Match’ honors after making nine saves to help secure a 1-1 draw. Despite the result, his performance drew mixed reactions, with some observers criticizing his distribution and footwork as inconsistent. Netherlands coach Xavi praised the performance, stating that Germany owed their point to ter Stegen’s efforts. Ter Stegen, who is currently on loan from FC Barcelona to Ajax Amsterdam, is experiencing a resurgence in his professional profile. This return to the starting lineup is expected to increase his market value, potentially aiding Barcelona in a permanent sale during the summer transfer window to reduce their wage burden. Jonas Urbig has since made a significant impact in his early international appearances. The Bayern Munich goalkeeper recorded clean sheets in his first two matches for Germany against Serbia and Greece. By achieving this, Urbig became the second German goalkeeper since 1977 to record consecutive clean sheets in his opening two matches, a feat previously matched only by Oliver Baumann last year.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-05: Jonas Urbig secures consecutive clean sheets for Germany

Germany goalkeeper Jonas Urbig secured clean sheets in his first two international matches, including a recent draw against Greece under manager Jürgen Klopp.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jonas-urbig-secures-consecutive-clean-sheets-for-germany

### 2026-10-01: Bernd Leno identifies Jonas Urbig as potential German national team successor

FC Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno identifies Jonas Urbig as a top candidate to succeed Manuel Neuer for the German national team, while also praising Noah Atubolu and expressing hope in Jürgen Klopp.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bernd-leno-identifies-jonas-urbig-as-potential-german-national-team-successor

### 2026-09-24: Marc-André ter Stegen returns to Germany national team starting lineup

Marc-André ter Stegen returned to the German national team as Jürgen Klopp's starter, earning 'Man of the Match' in a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands despite mixed reviews of his technical play.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marc-andr-ter-stegen-praises-jonas-urbig-ahead-of-national-team-return

### 2026-09-23: German football prospects Jonas Urbig and Mio Backhaus highlighted

Bernd Leno has endorsed Jonas Urbig as a future German national team goalkeeper, while Mio Backhaus has been highlighted as a top young prospect in recent football gaming rankings.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-football-prospects-jonas-urbig-and-mio-backhaus-highlighted

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Cite as: German national team goalkeeping succession. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/german-national-team-goalkeeping-succession