Bayern's "GK curse" strikes again: Bavarians face Atalanta with 16-year-old boy in goal
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 16.03.26. | 12:02
With three first-team custodians and a U-19 keeper sidelined, the Bavarians will most likely have to rely on the teenager Leonard Prescott in the Champions League Round of 16 return leg against La Dea
Last week, following Bayern Munich's crushing 6-1 victory over Atalanta in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16, you could familiarize yourself with the situation around the Bavarians' custodians at Mozzart Sport Kenya.
Then, we announced the super-experienced Sven Ulreich as the German club's last resort in goal, given that the first-choice keepers, Manuel Neuer and Jonas Urbig, were sidelined.
The 37-year-old did indeed play two days ago in nine-man Bayern's 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen, but faced the same curse as his colleagues, picking up an adductor injury!
With the Bavarians' U-19 first-choice goalie Leon Klanac sidelined for a thigh issue, Vincent Kompany will most likely start the 16-year-old Leonard Prescott in the UCL return leg against Atalanta!
Due to injury of Neuer, Urbig, Ulreich and Klanac, Bayern Munich will have to play a Goalkeeper from academy.
— Pro Future Stars (@ProFutureStars1) March 15, 2026
His name is Leonard Prescott, has 1,96m height and is just 16 years old. 🤯👀 pic.twitter.com/qtOMMaBfXz
Since four older and more experienced keepers than the teenager are out with injuries, the Belgian has no other option. According to reports, Urbig may be ready to play following a concussion he suffered last Tuesday in Bergamo, but given Bayern's comfortable advantage from the first leg, they probably won't risk anything.
Hence, next Wednesday may be the greatest day in Prescott's brief career.
The New York-born German has made 16 appearances this season, all for the Bavarians' U-19 team, and conceded 30 goals. His physical attributes are incredible as he is already 1,96 meters tall at such a young age.
If Kompany gives him a chance, the UCL duel will be his debut for the Munich side's senior squad, but, according to sources from the club, everyone has absolute faith in the youngster and is convinced he'll do well despite the pressure he'll undoubtedly feel.