Bayern’s Musiala Shares Health Update After Collapses

Jamal Musiala has revealed he is living with “treatable absence seizures” after collapsing on the pitch for the second time in four days, but insists there is no long-term risk to his health and no intention of stepping away from football.

The Bayern Munich winger went down eight minutes after coming on as a substitute in Tuesday night’s friendly against Heidenheim, a jarring repeat of the incident that interrupted Saturday’s game against RB Leipzig. On both occasions he required medical attention and was helped from the field.

The 23-year-old chose to address the situation head-on. In a detailed message to supporters on Instagram, Musiala moved quickly to calm the anxiety that has built around him since the first episode.

“First things first, I am doing well. I am incredibly grateful for your messages and your support!” he wrote. “I understand that many of you are worried. I would like to put those concerns to rest today and explain the situation.

“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.”

Determined to keep playing

Musiala made it clear he has no desire to step away from the game that has defined his young career. With specialists closely monitoring him, he stressed that continuing to play is part of how he intends to deal with the diagnosis.

“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,” the Germany international added.

On Tuesday, Musiala replaced Ismael Saibari in the 61st minute against Heidenheim, only to be withdrawn for Cassiano Kiala eight minutes later after going to ground. He looked dazed as he received treatment before being escorted off, a scene that immediately raised alarm given the Leipzig incident days earlier.

Bayern’s sporting director, Max Eberl, moved to ease fears in the aftermath of the match, indicating the club had been fully briefed on Musiala’s condition.

“Jamal will speak about this in the near future. We knew about it and we are aware of the situation,” Eberl said.

On the pitch, Bayern went on to win 4-2, with Felipe Chávez, Arijon Ibrahimovic, Luis Díaz and Nathaniel Brown all finding the net. The scoreline, though, felt secondary. All eyes were on Musiala – his health, his courage, and the question that will follow him into the new season: how does a player built to glide past defenders adapt to a challenge he can’t simply dribble around?