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

Injuries to Bayern's top goalkeepers may force the club to start teenage prospect Leonard Prescott

Mar. 15, 2026 at 7:33pm

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An unlikely run of injuries has sidelined Bayern Munich's top three goalkeepers, and the German champions may have to start 16-year-old New York-born goalkeeper Leonard Prescott in their upcoming Champions League game against Atalanta. Prescott, who plays for Bayern's under-19 team, was on the bench for the first leg of the round-of-16 match last week as Bayern won 6-1. With first-choice keeper Manuel Neuer recovering from a calf injury and backups Jonas Urbig and Sven Ulreich also sidelined, Prescott could make his Champions League debut.

Why it matters

This unexpected situation highlights the depth challenges Bayern Munich faces in goal, as well as the club's willingness to give young prospects like Prescott a chance on the big stage. Prescott's potential debut would be a remarkable achievement for the 16-year-old American-born player, who joined Bayern's academy in 2023 after starting his career at Union Berlin.

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 Manuel Neuer, Jonas Urbig, and Sven Ulreich all injured, Prescott could be thrust into the starting role for Bayern's Champions League match against Atalanta on Wednesday. The club's other goalkeeping options include reserve team keeper Leon Klanac, who has been injured since December, and 19-year-old Jannis Bärtl, who has played reserve games this season.

  • On March 8, Prescott was on the bench as Bayern beat Atalanta 6-1 in the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 match.
  • On March 11, Bayern drew 1-1 with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, with backup goalkeeper Sven Ulreich tearing his right adductor and being ruled out indefinitely.
  • Bayern's Champions League match against Atalanta is scheduled for Wednesday, March 15.

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 recovering from a calf muscle tear.

Jonas Urbig

A Bayern Munich goalkeeper who suffered a concussion in the final minute of the first leg against Atalanta.

Sven Ulreich

Bayern Munich's backup goalkeeper who tore his right adductor and will be sidelined indefinitely.

Leon Klanac

A Bayern Munich reserve team goalkeeper who has been injured since December.

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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 the starter against Atalanta on Wednesday, March 15.

The takeaway

This unexpected situation highlights Bayern Munich's depth challenges in goal, as well as the club's willingness to give young prospects like the 16-year-old American-born Prescott a chance to shine on the big stage of the Champions League.