“He’ll definitely be number one”: Kompany makes a big promise to Urbig | OneFootball

Jonas Urbig has a bright future ahead of him at FC Bayern—and could follow in Manuel Neuer’s footsteps not only at the record-holding champions but also with the DFB. Vincent Kompany, at any rate, is convinced of this. The Bayern coach made a clear promise to his goalkeeper ahead of the Bundesliga match against Union Berlin.

Although Jürgen Klopp has called up Jonas Urbig to the national team, he also made it clear that Marc-André ter Stegen will be the No. 1 goalkeeper for the DFB for the time being. Kompany is convinced that Urbig will take on that role sooner or later.

“You have to plan for the future, too. If anyone thinks he won’t become the number one in Germany, he’s making a big mistake,” Kompany explained at the press conference. The Belgian then added: “He’ll certainly be the number one in Germany at some point, but it’s up to Jürgen Klopp to decide whether that will be in one year or five.”

Kompany believes that Jürgen Klopp’s decision to call up Urbig for the upcoming international matches was the right one. The 23-year-old is part of the new national team coach’s five-man goalkeeper squad and will initially wait for his chance behind Marc-André ter Stegen.

“I’d do exactly the same thing. As a country, you have to protect and develop your own talent a little,” said Kompany. At the same time, he made it clear that Urbig would first have to earn his spot.

Although Klopp initially plans to start with ter Stegen as the number one, he left the door open for Urbig and the others: “It all depends on performance,” Klopp explained. Neither experience nor the number of international appearances to date will be a guarantee of future playing time.

“Having played one international match doesn’t automatically mean you’ll get a second one. Having played 100 doesn’t automatically mean you’ll get the 101st either.”

Urbig will therefore initially have to prove himself as a challenger with the DFB. The goalkeeper is also very familiar with this situation at FC Bayern: There, he shares playing time with Manuel Neuer and is set to be gradually groomed to succeed him.

Urbig Eyes Neuer’s Succession

For Urbig, developments in Munich could soon play a decisive role. Currently, there are strong indications that Neuer will end his career after this season. Should that happen, Urbig could take on significantly more responsibility with the record champions as early as next season.<

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The 23-year-old has already gained more playing time this season. Following his appearance in the DFB Cup, Urbig most recently stood between the posts in the 2-1 victory over SV Elversberg. Since joining from 1. FC Köln in January 2025, he has now made 34 competitive appearances for Bayern.

Kompany believes his protégé has what it takes to become the number one goalkeeper—not just in Munich, but in the long term as well. The Bayern coach also sees potential for a great future with the German national team. However, when Urbig might actually take over for ter Stegen is entirely up to Klopp.