Musiala's Seizure Diagnosis: No Long-Term Health Risk
Jamal Musiala has revealed he is living with “treatable absence seizures” after collapsing on the pitch for the second time in four days, but the Bayern Munich winger insists there is no long-term health risk and that he intends to keep playing.
The 23-year-old went down eight minutes after coming on as a substitute in Bayern’s friendly against Heidenheim on Tuesday night. He had suffered a similar episode in Saturday’s friendly with RB Leipzig, two incidents that left supporters and teammates visibly shaken.
This time, Musiala decided to speak.
“First things first, I am doing well. I am incredibly grateful for your messages and your support!” he wrote on Instagram, addressing the wave of concern that followed the scenes in Heidenheim. “I understand that many of you are worried. I would like to put those concerns to rest today and explain the situation.”
He then set out the diagnosis in clear terms.
“I have been diagnosed with brief, temporary – but treatable – absence seizures resulting from a neurological dysfunction. These can lead to the kind of incidents seen recently, such as during the match against Leipzig or the game in Heidenheim.
“I know they might look alarming at first glance, but for me, they are currently part of my everyday life. I am receiving excellent medical care and remain very optimistic. FC Bayern and my personal support network are right by my side, helping me through this. Importantly, there is no further health risk involved.”
A scare on the pitch, and a firm response off it
On Tuesday, Musiala replaced Ismael Saibari after 61 minutes. Eight minutes later he was back on the ground, dazed, receiving treatment as medics rushed on and Cassiano Kiala prepared to come in. He was helped from the field, the tension inside the stadium unmistakable despite the friendly setting.
Similar images had played out against RB Leipzig, where he also required medical attention after collapsing. Two episodes in quick succession forced the issue into the open.
Bayern’s sporting director, Max Eberl, moved quickly to calm fears after the Heidenheim match. “Jamal will speak about this in the near future. We knew about it and we are aware of the situation,” he said, signalling that the club and player were managing the condition under medical guidance.
Musiala’s own words underlined that point.
“In close consultation and regular contact with the experts, it was my personal wish to face this challenge; with the medical clearance of the neurologists, I want to continue doing what helps my recovery most: simply living my life and pursuing my passion for playing football.”
Bayern win, but all eyes on Musiala
Bayern won the game 4-2, with Felipe Chávez, Arijon Ibrahimovic, Luis Díaz and Nathaniel Brown all on the scoresheet. On any other night, that attacking spread might have dominated the conversation.
Instead, the main talking point was their No 42, his health, and his determination to carry on.
The friendlies will soon fade from memory. How Musiala manages this condition while staying at the heart of Bayern and Germany’s plans will not.
