Return to Zagreb: Vidovic leaves Bayern Munich for good

After nine years, Gabriel Vidovic is leaving FC Bayern Munich. IMAGO/DeFodi Images

After nine years, talented Gabriel Vidovic is leaving FC Bayern Munich for good and joining Dinamo Zagreb with immediate effect. The German record champions officially announced this on Monday evening. The now 21-year-old was already on loan for the team from the Croatian capital in the 2023/24 season.

"Gabriel Vidovic completed his football training at our FC Bayern Campus and then continued to develop through our loan program, taking on every challenge," said Christoph Freund (FC Bayern's sporting director) in a farewell address to the attacking player. "Now is the right time for the next step in his career."

At the age of twelve, the Augsburg native joined the German record champions, for whom Vidovic was also set to make his professional debut in 2022. However, the Croatian youth international was denied his big breakthrough in Munich - only seven other games for FCB are on his CV.

Last season was to be a season to forget: During his loan spell with 1. FSV Mainz 05, Vidovic only managed a total of 48 minutes in his two appearances before being recalled early in February due to a personnel shortage at FC Bayern Munich . He made only four more brief appearances (22 minutes) for the record champions.

One year before the end of his contract in the Bavarian capital, Vidovic has decided to make a change of scenery – and hopes to return to familiar territory. After all, the German-Croatian enjoyed his most successful professional season to date in Zagreb. In 2023/24, Vidovic scored nine goals and provided three assists in 40 appearances.

"After nine unforgettable years, it's time to start a new chapter. Since I was twelve years old, I've been able to wear the FC Bayern Munich jersey - with pride, passion, and gratitude," the new Zagreb player said in a farewell statement on social media.