Jamal Musiala seriously injured: The shock hits Bayern to the core

The 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, which sealed FC Bayern Munich's elimination in the quarterfinals of the Club World Cup, coupled with the end of the nearly four-week trip to the US – all of that had become a minor matter. Naturally, disappointment was evident on the faces of the champions' players and management at the somewhat unfortunate, but ultimately deserved, exit after a dramatic match at Atlanta's Hallenstadion.

But no one wanted to make it a topic of conversation before leaving the catacombs for the airport. One player was missing from the team bus; he had long since been taken to a hospital in Atlanta. The horrific images of Jamal Musiala's serious injury were still too fresh for everyone in the Bayern entourage, as were his unbearable cries of pain as he lay on the ground. The playmaker, in the starting eleven for the first time after three months spent largely in rehab following a torn muscle, was the victim of a collision in stoppage time of the first half. PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma dashed out of his goal and threw himself at the ball, with momentum and without regard for the consequences – that was how the Munich team interpreted the action.

The Italian, who buried his face in his shirt in complete shock, caught the German international on his left ankle. Sporting director Max Eberl said, moved: "I don't assume he had any intention of doing this, but he showed no consideration. If I jump on my lower leg while sprinting, weighing 100 kilos – no accusation, but he's taking the risk." So an accusation after all, albeit indirectly. Donnarumma wrote on Instagram a little later: "Jamal, I send you all my prayers and best wishes for a speedy recovery." Fellow goalkeeper Manuel Neuer also saw "a situation where, I don't think, you have to jump in like that. Jumping in like that is a real risk. You simply accept the risk of injuring your opponent." Musiala had to be stretchered off, and Bayern's halftime break was hardly useful for meaningful tactical instructions.

"It was tough. I've rarely been so angry at halftime," said Vincent Kompany, who was visibly struggling with his emotions at the press conference. "What still makes my blood boil right now isn't the result," said the Bayern coach, "but the fact that it happened to someone who enjoys the game so much and is always important to us." The 39-year-old is valued at the club for his empathy and closeness to his players, which was made clear by the following statements: "There are many things in life that are important, much more important – but for these guys, it's their life. Someone like Jamal lives for it, and he came back from a setback, and then it happens the way it happens. You feel powerless."

The diagnosis came in the afternoon (local time): Musiala had broken his left fibula and torn several ligaments. Following the operation, he will undergo months of rehabilitation, and the absence is expected to be up to five or six months. The first half of the season is likely over for Musiala. He will be out. And this just days after the departure of attacker Leroy Sane, who has been under contract with Galatasaray Istanbul since July 1st. It is also clear that Musiala's injury has exacerbated Bayern's personnel concerns. Stuttgart's young star Nick Woltemade (23), the top scorer at the U21 European Championship, will not be any easier in negotiations with VfB Stuttgart – on the contrary, the Swabians now have another (unwanted) ace up their sleeve. And the Bayern bosses have an urgent need to get Woltemade after the failed transfers of Florian Wirtz (who moved to Liverpool FC) and Nico Williams, who has extended his contract with Athletic Bilbao after all.

Wouldn't it make sense to speak to Thomas Müller again? The veteran had been substituted on in the 80th minute of his 756th – and, according to the plan, last – competitive game for FC Bayern. Could the 35-year-old stay after all, as a backup? Perhaps for six months and then move to Bayern's partner club Los Angeles FC in the US league at the beginning of 2026? "It feels uncomfortable for me," Müller said when asked about it, and told a reporter: "I understand that you're asking the question, which is why I'm not saying it's in bad taste. Everyone can think for themselves, but I want to direct it towards Jamal and I would like us to be careful not to have any bad discussions after someone has been injured. I'm aware that it was my last game." It didn't sound as if the very last word had really been spoken. But honorary president Uli Hoeneß would have to go above and beyond to offer Müller a short-term contract.

More important to everyone involved was supporting Musiala on his journey to a comeback. "We love him for his joy in playing, but now such a blow – it's extremely difficult for him," said Eberl, "but we're here for him as a family."