When Bayern Munich face Borussia Dortmund in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup on Saturday (kick-off: 8.30pm CEST), much of the focus will be on the teams’ array of attacking talent. However, both sides can call on elite goalkeepers in Manuel Neuer and Gregor Kobel, on whom the destination of the trophy may depend…
Bayern and Dortmund each have players who can decide matches on their own. While the reigning Bundesliga champions will look to Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Díaz to win this weekend’s match-up, BVB have Serhou Guirassy and new boy Konstantinos Karetsas waiting to pounce.
However, the men between the sticks could play a key role, and there are few better in world football, never mind the Bundesliga, than Neuer and Kobel, who are both crucial members of their respective sides’ set-ups.
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One of the most decorated footballers in Germany’s history, Bayern’s legendary shot-stopper has already won the Supercup eight times, and he is fully aware that success early in the campaign can be the perfect springboard.
“It really is a final,” he told the Bundesliga in the build-up to the clash at Signal Iduna Park. “You have to say that. There is something on the line and, for us, it’s the first cup we can win. And we definitely have nothing to give away.”
Bayern were runaway Bundesliga winners last season, but Neuer is under no illusions as to the threat Dortmund pose. “Dortmund are always the toughest challenge for us. I just think it’s an amazing game when we play in Dortmund, and we’re all looking forward to it. We know we have to be on point there. We have to give everything.”
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Few can rival Neuer’s ability or impact, but last season, it was Kobel who was the German top flight’s most reliable pair of hands. Dortmund conceded the fewest goals in the division in 2025/26, while the Swiss’ 15 clean sheets led the Bundesliga.
Kobel also begins the season on the back of an impressive display at the FIFA World Cup 2026. While Neuer failed to keep a clean sheet as Germany were knocked out in the round of 32, the Dortmund man was one of his side’s most impressive performers as Switzerland reached the quarter-finals, the best result in their World Cup history.
He has now established himself as a leader in his position across Europe, and is looking forward to continuing his progress. “I’m very excited about what might be waiting in the future. But right now, I try to give my best every day. That’s what I always do, and I don’t think I’ll change anything about that in the future.”
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Talent doesn’t immediately lead to trophies, as Kobel is aware; unlike Neuer, he is yet to lift a trophy in his senior career. As such, it is clear he and his teammates are not taking the Supercup lightly even if there are more prestigious trophies on the horizon to do battle for.
“It’s a cup, and it’s an important game. I think everybody sees it the same way. It’s going to be a great game for us, and we know we have to give 110%. Everybody is looking forward to the game. But after that, the Bundesliga season starts, so I think it’s going to be a really good moment for us.”
This, of course, could be one of the final times these two face each other. Neuer has already revealed that he could retire at the end of the season, although he is looking to go out with a bang.
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“It’s just a physical feeling that I have, and it’s also hard and exhausting to play professional football for over twenty years,” he explained. “It’s not just physical, but also all the stress, having an important function and role in the team. But I’m definitely looking forward to this season and will give it my all.”
Kobel, meanwhile, is relishing the chance to face the 40-year-old once more. “This guy is very, very hungry to show his strength. After so many years, the level he’s performing at is very impressive. You always want to compete against the best, so I’m always very excited when I can play against him.”
All in all, it promises to be an eye-opening encounter and should give us an idea of where the teams stand ahead of the league campaign. And if the two goalkeepers are busy throughout the match, it promises to be an exciting game too.