Jamal Musiala, born on February 26, 2003, is a renowned German professional footballer playing as an attacking midfielder and winger. He currently showcases his skills for the Bundesliga team Bayern Munich and contributes to the Germany national team. Recognized by the moniker “Bambi” due to his remarkable dribbling prowess, Musiala is known as one of the most talented African footballer globally.
Although born in Germany to a Nigerian father and a German mother, Musiala spent his formative years in England from the age of seven. His international journey saw him representing both Germany and England at the youth level. However, in February 2021, he officially committed to the German Football Association for future international competitions. This decision led him to represent Germany in notable events such as Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Read also: Nigerian descent footballers dominating European football leagues
Career
Bayern Munich 2019-20:
At the age of 16 in July 2019, Musiala left Chelsea to embark on his debut season with Bundesliga club Bayern Munich. His professional debut occurred on June 3, 2020, as a substitute for Bayern Munich II in a 3–2 victory over Preußen Münster in the 3. Liga. Later, on June 20, 2020, he made his Bundesliga debut against SC Freiburg, becoming the youngest player to feature in a Bundesliga match for Bayern at 17 years and 115 days. Musiala was part of the squad that secured the 2019–20 UEFA Champions League, even though he didn’t play in the tournament.
2020-21:
Musiala had a breakthrough in the first team, scoring his inaugural Bundesliga goal on September 18, 2020, in an 8–0 triumph over Schalke, making him Bayern’s youngest goalscorer at 17 years and 205 days. He made his Champions League debut on November 3, 2020, and started in his first Champions League match on December 1, 2020. Musiala achieved another milestone on February 23, 2021, by scoring his first Champions League goal in a 4–1 win over Lazio. On March 5, 2021, he signed his first professional contract with Bayern Munich, securing his stay until 2026.
Read also:Â Discover the wealthiest Nigerian footballers in 2023
2021-22:
Continuing his development, Musiala netted his first two goals of the season on August 25, 2021, in a 12–0 DFB-Pokal away victory over Bremer SV. In the Bundesliga, he scored his first league goal of the season on August 28, 2021, in a 5–0 home win against Hertha BSC. Musiala continued his impressive form with a Champions League goal on December 8, 2021, in a 3–0 victory over Barcelona. His crucial strike on April 23, 2022, sealed the Bundesliga title in a 3–1 triumph over Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker, marking Bayern’s tenth consecutive Bundesliga title.
2022-23:
In a Bundesliga title decider on May 27, 2023, Musiala scored the winning goal in the 89th minute, securing a 2–1 away victory over FC Köln. This goal clinched the 11th consecutive league title for Bayern Munich, edging out rivals Dortmund on goal difference. Additionally, Musiala finished the season as Bayern’s second top scorer in the league with 12 goals, trailing behind Serge Gnabry.
Read also: AFCON 2023: List of countries that have won the AFCON cup
Early life
Musiala’s roots trace back to Stuttgart, Germany, where he was born to a British-Nigerian Yoruba father and a German mother with Polish ancestry. His early years were spent in Fulda until the age of seven, after which his family relocated to England, becoming the backdrop for the remainder of his childhood. Starting with primary education at Corpus Christi School in New Malden, Musiala continued his academic journey at Whitgift School in Croydon for secondary education. It was during the concluding years of his formative period that Musiala honed his football skills in the Chelsea academy, marking a significant chapter in his youth.