Jamal Musiala Opens Up on Neurological Condition After Second Collapse in Four Days for Bayern Munich

One of European football’s most gifted players has been at the centre of frightening scenes in back-to-back pre-season friendlies. Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala has revealed he is experiencing treatable absence seizures after collapsing on the pitch for the second time in four days. In a heartfelt and composed statement posted on Instagram, the 23-year-old broke his silence, addressed widespread concern from fans worldwide, and insisted he is in a good place.

What Happened?

The German international collapsed in consecutive matches, first against RB Leipzig and then against Heidenheim, raising serious concerns about his health. In the 66th minute of a friendly versus Heidenheim on Tuesday, which the Bavarians won 4-2, Musiala went down off the ball after playing five minutes and was able to walk off the pitch under his own power. 

Players from both teams made a circle around Musiala as he received medical treatment, before he was helped as he walked off the pitch. This came after he also fainted during a friendly against RB Leipzig on Saturday, but with medical tests revealing no additional risk, manager Vincent Kompany still opted to play his attacking midfielder during the match.

Incident Summary

Musiala’s Personal Statement — In Full

Following the second incident, Musiala addressed the public directly through his social media. His statement in full:

“First things first — I’m doing well! Above all, I’m incredibly grateful for all your messages and your support! I understand that many of you are worried. I want to put those concerns to rest today and explain a little more: I have been diagnosed with brief, temporary episodes of absence that are easily treatable and are caused by a neurological dysfunction. These can lead to the moments that have occurred recently, such as against Leipzig and now in Heidenheim.

I know that they may seem scary at first glance — but for me, they are currently simply part of my everyday life. I am receiving the best possible medical care in this regard, and I am very optimistic. FC Bayern and the people closest to me are always by my side and supporting me on this journey.

What is important is that there is no additional health risk beyond this. In close consultation and regular communication with the specialists, it was my personal wish to face this challenge and, with the approval of the neurological specialists, to continue doing what helps me most in my recovery: simply living my everyday life and continuing to pursue my passion of playing football. I have taken responsibility for that decision.

Overall, I have a very good feeling and I am on a good path. What helps me most along the way is continuing to chase victories and titles with my team, with your incredible support. I hope this helps you understand me better. At the same time, I ask for your understanding that I would like to continue keeping this matter within the circle of my closest confidants, the club and the experts.

Thank you very much. Yours, Jamal.”

What Are Absence Seizures?

Absence seizures are something that can lead to brief losses of awareness or complete stops in activity, like Musiala’s collapse, generally lasting seconds. They are one of the more manageable forms of neurological condition. 1 There is medication that can be taken for prevention, but it could be something that becomes part of the German’s life moving forward.

Crucially, Musiala himself has stressed that there is no additional health risk beyond the condition itself, and that neurological specialists have approved his wish to continue playing football.

Bayern’s Response

Bayern sporting director Max Eberl confirmed the club was aware of Musiala’s condition and that the midfielder would address the issue himself. The club has fully backed Musiala throughout, with the 23-year-old making clear in his statement that Bayern Munich, alongside his personal support network and medical specialists, have been by his side throughout.

Musiala’s Recent Injury History

This neurological diagnosis is the latest in a difficult recent chapter for a player of extraordinary talent. Musiala suffered a fractured fibula and a dislocated ankle in a challenge with Gianluigi Donnarumma during Bayern’s defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at the Club World Cup in July 2025. He missed the first six months of last season after the injury, but returned to feature prominently for Bayern and Germany, starting three of his country’s four matches at the 2026 World Cup.

Despite those trials, he was a key player for Germany at the 2026 World Cup, where Julien Nagelsmann’s side was surprisingly eliminated in the round of 32 by Paraguay.

What Next for Musiala and Bayern?

Bundesliga champions Bayern face Borussia Dortmund on Saturday in the German Supercup, the traditional curtain raiser for the new season. Musiala is one of the most talented young German attackers and someone whom Kompany will need in order to challenge for the Champions League — these episodes will be something to watch as Bayern look to kick off their season.

For now, the message from Musiala is one of quiet determination. He has been honest with his supporters, taken personal responsibility for his decision to continue playing, and shown a remarkable level of composure and maturity in handling an undeniably difficult situation.

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