Lothar Matthäus praises Bayern’s support for Jamal Musiala
Lothar Matthäus hails Bayern’s “chapeau” response to Musiala health scare
Jamal Musiala’s absence from Bayern Munich’s matchday squads has had a far deeper story behind it than a simple tactical decision or minor knock.
The Germany international twice collapsed on the pitch in pre-season friendlies, first against RB Leipzig and then against 1. FC Heidenheim, and had to be substituted on both occasions. He later revealed he had been suffering from “absences”, a neurological dysfunction. Since those alarming scenes, he has not featured for Bayern.
Bayern then confirmed they had been aware of Musiala’s condition for quite some time. According to the club, the collapses were linked to a change in his medication rather than a new diagnosis.
For Lothar Matthäus, that detail said as much about the dressing room as it did about the player.
“The very biggest thing I have experienced at Bayern Munich was the name Jamal Musiala,” the Germany legend said on Sky90. He pointed not to a goal or a trophy, but to the way an entire club had closed ranks around a vulnerable player.
“People at the club have known for six, seven, eight months. But it is not only the president and the doctor who know. The whole team know. And nothing has come out,” Matthäus stressed. “That shows the togetherness. Not only on the pitch, but off it as well.”
In an era when even minor training-ground stories can leak within hours, the silence around Musiala’s condition stood out. No whispers. No speculative headlines. Just internal protection of one of the club’s brightest talents.
Matthäus did not hide his admiration for how Bayern handled the issue. Musiala is back in training with the team, working his way towards full involvement again, but it remains uncertain whether new coach Vincent Kompany will include him in the squad for Wednesday’s cup tie away to VfL Osnabrück.
“Huge respect for dealing with such a topic so properly and in such a united way. All I can say is: chapeau to Bayern Munich,” Matthäus said.
The 21-year-old’s struggle comes on the back of a difficult campaign last season. A fibula fracture sidelined him for long spells, and even when he returned in January, he needed time to regain rhythm and sharpness. He still did enough to convince Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann to name him in the squad for this summer’s World Cup.
The tournament, though, never truly caught fire for Musiala. Like many of his Germany team-mates, he failed to leave a lasting mark on the biggest stage.
Now the focus shifts to a different kind of comeback: from injury, from a neurological issue, and from a stuttering year in club and international colours. Bayern have closed ranks around him. The question is when Musiala will be ready to step back into the spotlight.
