Few recent injuries in European football have been as jarring as the one Jamal Musiala suffered in July 2025. More than a year later, he is still managing its aftermath.
The Original Injury
Musiala fractured his fibula and dislocated his ankle in a collision with then-Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma during Bayern’s Club World Cup quarter-final defeat in Atlanta. He was stretchered off, with players from both sides visibly shaken.
The Recovery Timeline
- Returned after 196 days out, coming off the bench at RB Leipzig in January 2026 and immediately assisting Michael Olise
- Suffered an ankle relapse in March during Bayern’s 6-1 Champions League win over Atalanta
- Featured in 11 games across the disrupted campaign, scoring three goals and adding two assists
The Summer Surgery
Following Germany’s round-of-32 World Cup exit, Musiala underwent what Bayern described as minor, routine surgery. Crucially, this was not a fresh injury but a long-scheduled step in his medical management, timed for the post-tournament break so he could complete pre-season to a structured plan and be available for the start of competitive fixtures.
What Bayern Need
Before the injury, Musiala was coming off a 21-goal, eight-assist season. Vincent Kompany’s side have coped well in his absence, but a fully fit Musiala changes their ceiling entirely, particularly in Champions League knockout football. His comeback mirrors that of Jude Bellingham, another young star whose season was defined by fitness rather than form.
The Wider Context
Teammates Harry Kane and Michael Olise are both among the 2026 Ballon d’Or nominees, a list featuring several names from our weekly stars roundup.