10 fun facts about Jamal Musiala
Jamal Musiala is a German professional footballer who showcases his skills as an attacking midfielder and winger for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and the Germany national team. Known as “Bambi” due to his exceptional dribbling ability, Musiala is widely regarded as one of the most talented young players in the world. He spent his…
Jamal Musiala is a German professional footballer who showcases his skills as an attacking midfielder and winger for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and the Germany national team. Known as “Bambi” due to his exceptional dribbling ability, Musiala is widely regarded as one of the most talented young players in the world.
He spent his formative years in the Chelsea academy before making a move to Bayern Munich in July 2019 at the age of 16. Musiala made his professional debut on 3 June 2020, coming on as a substitute for Bayern Munich II in a 3-2 victory over Preußen Münster in the 3. Liga. Just a few weeks later, on 20 June 2020, he made his Bundesliga debut against SC Freiburg, becoming the youngest player to represent Bayern in the league at the age of 17 years and 115 days.
Although he did not feature in any matches, Musiala was part of the squad that won the 2019-20 UEFA Champions League. In November 2020, he received his first call-up to the England U21 squad and made his debut as a substitute in a 3-1 win over the Andorra U21s. Musiala scored his first goal for the U21 team in a 5-0 victory over Albania. However, on 24 February 2021, he announced his decision to represent his birth nation, Germany, internationally.
This led to his call-up to the senior team for the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers in March 2021, where he made his debut as a substitute in a 3-0 win against Iceland. On 27 May 2023, Musiala secured a crucial victory for his team with a winning goal in the 89th minute against FC Köln, securing their 11th consecutive league title, surpassing rivals Dortmund on goal difference. Additionally, he finished the season as Bayern’s second top scorer in the league, netting 12 goals, just behind Serge Gnabry. Here are some fun facts about him.
1. Great player and goalscorer
When questioned about him, his coaches and teammates consistently highlight the same aspects. They emphasize his remarkable potential and exceptional technical abilities. Although he is often referred to as a player with great potential for the future, Musiala is already a star in the present!
Particularly in the 2022/23 season, he has made an outstanding start. In today’s game, statistics have become increasingly important, and Musiala’s numbers are truly impressive. In the Bundesliga, he has already played in eight matches, scoring 5 goals and providing 4 assists. Additionally, he has contributed 2 assists in the Champions League across three appearances.
2. He played For the Chelsea Academy
Musiala’s signing of a scholarship with the Chelsea academy marked the beginning of a promising journey. Catching the attention of Chelsea scouts is no easy feat, considering the club’s track record of nurturing legendary players like Frank Lampard, Mason Mount, and Reece James. At the young age of 15, Musiala made his league debut for Chelsea’s U18 team. The thought of what could have been if Musiala had chosen to stay with Chelsea leaves fans around the world pondering.
3. He Joined Bayern at Age 16
Musiala made his transfer from Chelsea to Bayern in July 2019. His rapid progress can be attributed to his exceptional technical skills and talent. Musiala showcased his abilities while playing for the Bayern Munich under-17s team, where he averaged a goal or assist every 105 minutes. Soon, he was promoted to the under-19s and it only took him 8 appearances to earn a call-up to the first team. Although he was included in several first-team match squads before the outbreak of the pandemic in 2020, Musiala did not get the opportunity to play.
4. Played for England’s Youth Squads
Despite being a German national residing in England, Musiala had the freedom to choose which youth teams he wanted to play for. He ultimately decided to represent the English youth squads, as he found it more enjoyable to play alongside his English teammates whom he was familiar with. In 2020, he received a call-up to join the England under-21 squad for the qualification matches of the 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. Musiala marked his U21 international debut against Andorra under-21s and netted his first goal against Albania in November 2020.
5. Nicknamed Bambi
Musiala’s teammates and fans affectionately refer to him as ‘Bambi’. This nickname has rapidly gained popularity among everyone. Bayern Munich player Serge Gnabry explained the origin of this new nickname, stating to reporters, “Leroy gave him the nickname Bambi. He’s a kind-hearted young boy, a truly pleasant individual. His footballing abilities are extraordinary. As demonstrated in the match against Hungary, he can greatly contribute to the team. I have full confidence in him. It’s only a matter of time before his moment arrives.”
6. Was Bayern’s Youngest Player in The Bundesliga
Jamal Musiala, at the age of 17 years and 115 days, marked his Bundesliga debut on 20th June 2020 as he came off the bench against SC Freiburg. This appearance not only established Musiala as Bayern’s youngest-ever player in the Bundesliga but also set a record. However, this record was surpassed on January 7th, 2022, when Paul Wanner, a German international, made his debut at the age of 16 years and 15 days against Borussia Monchengladbach.
7. German National Player of the Year
The prodigy’s remarkable performances have undeniably captured the attention of all. Surpassing other notable figures in the nation, he has rightfully been bestowed with the prestigious title of German Player of the Year for 2022.
8. Bayern’s Youngest Goal Scorer in The Bundesliga
On the inaugural day of the 2020/21 Bundesliga season, Jamal Musiala once again etched his name in the history books. In a resounding 8-0 victory for Bayern against Schalke, Musiala found the back of the net for the eighth time in the match.
This remarkable goal not only secured the win for his team but also made Musiala the youngest goal scorer in the history of the Bavarian club, at the tender age of 17 years and 205 days. This outstanding achievement surpassed the previous record held by Roque Santa Cruz, a Paraguayan player who had held the title for 21 years since he scored at the age of 18.
However, on September 10th, this record was once again broken, this time by Mathys Tel, the talented French Wonderkid. Tel scored against Stuttgart at the age of 17 years and 136 days, surpassing the two-year-old record.
9. Bundesliga Rookie of the Month
During the 2020-21 season, Musiala made a remarkable breakthrough into the first team. Not only did he make his debut in the prestigious Champions League, but he also scored his first Bundesliga goal for Bayern. His exceptional performances did not go unnoticed, as he was honored with the Bundesliga rookie of the month award for April.
10. He can represent three countries internationally
Jamal Musiala has ties to three distinct countries, as his father is a Nigerian international, granting him the chance to potentially play for Nigeria’s national team.
