Neuer Won’t Commit to Retirement and Names Jonas Urbig His Chosen Successor

Overview

• This week Manuel Neuer declined to say the 2026/27 season will definitely be his last, calling retirement likely but not certain in a Sky interview.
• Neuer publicly endorsed Jonas Urbig as his successor for both Bayern Munich and the Germany national team and said he trusts Urbig’s abilities.
• Bayern have accelerated Urbig’s development with extra goalkeeping sessions and exposure to the national-team environment to prepare him for a first‑team role.
• Neuer has again stepped away from the national team after the World Cup while remaining under contract at Bayern until June 2027, which means the timing of any full handover depends on his final decision.
• The club and national setups now face a leadership and selection shift that will test Urbig’s readiness, influence goalkeeper pecking order decisions, and shape Bayern’s captaincy planning next season.