How Jamal Musiala Has Become Bayern Munich’s Main Man

Jamal Musiala. A modern-day superstar who has quickly become one of football’s household names. Born in Stuttgart, before moving to Southampton at seven, Musiala’s rise in football was filled with bumps along the road. After another eye-catching season, clubs and fans across the world now regard the German as one of the world’s most talented players and Bayern Munich’s main man.

Moving to England

Following his family's move to England, it would not be long before Musiala would gain attention for his impressive ability. The young midfielder initially played school football linked to local football clubs in the local London area such as Fulham, Brentford, and Wimbledon in the EFL Utilia Kids Cup.

Before he would make a move to Chelsea's academy in 2011. Musiala would stay at the club for eight years, training in the famous Cobham facilities and teaming up with young talents such as Tino Livramento and Levi Collwill, Musiala quickly made a name for himself in blue.

Signing for Bayern

However, after eight years at the club, Musiala would not be given the chance to become one of the London club’s top hit-makers as he would move back to Germany and Bayern Munich for a reported fee of just €200,000.

Reminder: Jamal Musiala left Chelsea to join Bayern Munich for just €200k 🤯 pic.twitter.com/9lW1vNvHzW

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) November 24, 2022

The then 16-year-old would rapidly establish himself in Germany, becoming the youngest player to play for Bayern in the Bundesliga at the age of 17 years and 115 days old. While just two months later, Musiala would score his first Bundesliga goal in an 8-0 victory over Schalke, once again entering the record books as he became the Bavarian club’s youngest-ever scorer at the age of 18 years and 12 days.

Thomas Muller’s decline

Throughout the 2010s, Thomas Muller and Bayern Munich were synonymous, the ‘number ten’ that would glue together the midfield and attack, also supplying Robert Lewandowski on numerous occasions. Over 739 appearances for the club with 351 of those operating in-behind the striker. Muller recorded a total of 247 goals and 272 assists for the Bavarian in what has been a glorious club career for the German.

A twelve-time Bundesliga winner, a two-time Champions League winner, a six-time German Cup winner, and a World Cup winner. But in recent years, the 35-year-old has begun to slow down, taking a backseat from the Bayern starting lineup as the youth of Musiala and Michael Olise begin to take over. While not being able to contribute as much on the pitch, Muller’s mentorship and leadership would have more than likely played a crucial role in Musiala’s meteoric rise.

Boy to Galatico

Having just turned 22, the Bayern man already has a whole host of team accolades, winning the UEFA Championship, UEFA Supercup, FIFA Club World Cup, German Super Cup on three occasions and the Bundesliga on four occasions. Additionally, in terms of personal accolades, Musiala was the joint top scorer at the 2024 European Championships (3).

Jamal Musiala has just been robbed of one of the nastiest assists ever… pic.twitter.com/n3OsHXUFvw

— george (@StokeyyG2) March 5, 2025

That all being said, the 2022/23 season was the year that Musiala announced himself in the Bundesliga scene as a top player, recording 12 goals and 12 assists in 33 league games. Offers his services across the frontline, operating as a left winger, central attacking midfielder, or right winger, the former England international was a coach’s dream. Musiala would then go on to score 10 (2023/24) and 11 (2024/25) goals in his next two Bundesliga campaigns.

The current state of play

In the present day, Bayern’s starboy is having his best season to date, netting 11 times in just 18 starts. His performances have also caught the attention of Premier League giants as Liverpool and Manchester City have been linked in recent times.97% of players in the Bundesliga sit behind Musiala when it comes to goals scored per 90, 98% for shots taken, and 99% of players in the top division for dribbles and successful dribbles per 90. Nicknamed ‘Bambi’, the German wunderkind has all the attributes that a coach would want in their ideal central attacking midfielder. An imaginative passing range, high technical understanding, and dazzling close-controlled dribbling.

Led by their German figurehead, Bayern Munich comfortably sit at the summit of the Bundesliga table with their hat also in the Champions League’s round of 16. With the world at his feet at the age of just 22 years old, there cannot be any ceiling placed on the special talent of Jamal Musiala.