Lothar Matthäus Praises Bayern’s Togetherness Amid Musiala's Illness

Lothar Matthäus hails Bayern’s “togetherness” over Musiala illness

Jamal Musiala’s long absence from the Bayern Munich team has had a far more complex background than a simple injury list could ever show.

The Germany international twice collapsed on the pitch during pre-season friendlies against RB Leipzig and 1. FC Heidenheim, forced off on both occasions. He later revealed he had been suffering from “absences”, a neurological dysfunction. Since those incidents, he has not played a competitive minute for Bayern.

Bayern then confirmed they had been aware of the illness for a considerable period, explaining that the collapses were linked to a change in his medication rather than a sudden, unknown issue.

For Lothar Matthäus, the story behind the scenes at Säbener Straße has said more about the club than any result.

“The very biggest thing I have experienced at Bayern Munich was the name Jamal Musiala,” Matthäus said on Sky90. He highlighted not Musiala’s dribbling or goals, but the way the club closed ranks around a vulnerable player.

According to the former Germany captain, the information had been circulating internally for months. “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. That shows the togetherness. Not only on the pitch, but off it as well.”

The silence was deliberate. No leaks, no whispers, no briefings. In an environment where almost everything finds its way into the public domain, Bayern’s ability to keep Musiala’s condition private impressed Matthäus as much as any title win.

He reserved special praise for the way the club handled a deeply sensitive topic. Musiala is now back in training with Bayern and edging his way towards a return, but there is still uncertainty. Coach Vincent Kompany has yet to decide whether to 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.

Musiala’s recent career has already been shaped by physical setbacks. Last season he missed long stretches with a fibula fracture, only returning in January and needing time to rediscover rhythm and sharpness. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann still took him to the World Cup in the summer, backing his talent and potential impact. Like many of his national team colleagues, though, Musiala struggled to leave a lasting mark on the tournament.

Now he stands at another crossroads: a gifted 21-year-old fighting not just for form and fitness, but for control over a condition that briefly turned routine friendlies into frightening moments. Bayern’s dressing room has already given its answer with its silence. The next one will come when Kompany decides if Musiala is ready to step back into the spotlight.