New York-born 16-year-old could start for Bayern Munich in Champions League

Injuries have sidelined Bayern's top 3 goalkeepers, opening the door for teenager Leonard Prescott

Mar. 15, 2026 at 8:52pm

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An unlikely run of injuries has sidelined Bayern Munich's top three goalkeepers, and 16-year-old New York-born Leonard Prescott could be the German champion's starting goalkeeper for its upcoming Champions League game against Atalanta. Prescott, who plays for Bayern's under-19 team, was on the bench in the first leg of the round-of-16 match, but with the injuries to Manuel Neuer, Jonas Urbig, and Sven Ulreich, he may now be thrust into the starting role.

Why it matters

This would be an incredible opportunity for the young American-born goalkeeper to make his Champions League debut for one of the top clubs in Europe. It also highlights the depth issues Bayern is facing in goal due to the rash of injuries to their experienced keepers.

The details

Prescott was born in New York but started his playing career at Union Berlin before joining Bayern's academy in 2023. He has also played for the German under-17 national team. With Neuer recovering from a calf muscle tear, Urbig concussed, and Ulreich out with a torn adductor, Prescott could be Bayern's only healthy goalkeeper available for the match against Atalanta.

  • On March 8, Prescott was on the bench for Bayern's 6-1 Champions League win over Atalanta.
  • On March 11, Urbig was concussed in the final minute of Bayern's 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen.
  • On March 12, Bayern announced that Ulreich would be 'sidelined for the time being' after tearing his right adductor in the Leverkusen match.

The players

Leonard Prescott

A 16-year-old goalkeeper born in New York who plays for Bayern Munich's under-19 team and has also represented the German under-17 national team.

Manuel Neuer

Bayern Munich's first-choice goalkeeper who is currently recovering from a calf muscle tear.

Jonas Urbig

A Bayern Munich goalkeeper who was concussed in a collision during the final minute of a recent match.

Sven Ulreich

Bayern Munich's backup goalkeeper who tore his right adductor in a recent match and will be 'sidelined for the time being'.

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What’s next

If Neuer or the other injured Bayern goalkeepers cannot recover in time, 16-year-old Leonard Prescott could make his Champions League debut as Bayern's starting goalkeeper against Atalanta on March 15.

The takeaway

The rash of injuries to Bayern Munich's experienced goalkeepers has opened the door for the young American-born prospect Leonard Prescott to potentially make his Champions League debut, highlighting the club's depth issues in goal and the incredible opportunity this presents for the 16-year-old.