Manuel Neuer's successor? Inter legend Julio Cesar names 'wonderful' surprise option to replace Bayern Munich 'idol'

Former Brazil international Cesar has thrown a surprising name into the mix as Bayern weigh up the long-term future of Neuer. The 39-year-old captain remains first-choice at the Allianz Arena but, with his contract nearing its final stretch, attention is turning to potential successors. Cesar, who won the Champions League with Inter in 2010, has endorsed Brazao, currently impressing with Santos in Brazil.

In an interview with Sky Sport, Cesar was asked who he would recommend to Bayern and replied: "Neuer is an idol at FC Bayern, but he's almost 40, and Bayern have to think about the future. We have a wonderful goalkeeper in Brazil: Gabriel Brazao."

The former Inter goalkeeper then praised Neuer further, adding: "He's a wonderful goalkeeper, I like him very much. He's almost 40 years old and he's still playing at the highest level. He's one of the best goalkeepers in the world."

Brazao has had a winding career since leaving Cruzeiro for Europe in 2019, including spells at Parma and Inter, though he never made a competitive appearance in Italy. Now settled at Santos, where Neymar has strong ties the 24-year-old has impressed with consistent performances, earning praise back home. His contract runs until 2028, which could make any European move costly. For the Bavarians, Jonas Urbig is the current understudy, but the club are yet to confirm their long-term succession plan as Neuer continues to start every Bundesliga fixture.

Neuer has ruled out an international return with Germany, despite calls for him to feature at the 2026 World Cup, but he is expected to remain Bayern’s No.1 for now. The German champions face Werder Bremen next, with questions over whether the board will eventually look abroad, and perhaps to Brazao, when they prepare for life after their iconic captain.

Additional reporting by Oliver Maywurm.