PLAYERS
Jamal Musiala reveals neurological diagnosis after second on-field episode for Bayern
Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala says he has been diagnosed with brief, treatable absence episodes linked to a neurological dysfunction after twice requiring on-field treatment in recent friendlies. The Germany international says specialists have cleared him to continue playing football.
Jamal Musiala has revealed that doctors have diagnosed him with brief episodes of absence linked to a neurological dysfunction, after the Bayern Munich midfielder suffered a second concerning on-field episode in the space of four days.
The 23-year-old went down without an apparent collision during Bayern’s 4-2 friendly win over 1. FC Heidenheim on Tuesday, shortly after being introduced in the second half. Medical staff attended to him on the pitch before he was able to get back to his feet and leave the field.
The incident followed a similar episode during Bayern’s 3-1 friendly victory over RB Leipzig on Saturday, when Musiala also required treatment after going down on the pitch.
Musiala addressed the situation himself in a statement published on Instagram after the Heidenheim game. He said he was “doing well” and explained that the episodes are temporary, brief and treatable, with the diagnosis linked to a neurological dysfunction. He added that he is receiving specialist medical care and remains optimistic about his condition.
Crucially, Musiala said he has remained in regular consultation with neurological specialists and has received medical clearance to continue playing football. He also stated that, according to the medical guidance he has received, the condition does not present an additional health risk beyond the episodes themselves.
Bayern sporting executive Max Eberl had indicated immediately after the match that the club was aware of Musiala’s situation, while leaving the player to communicate the medical details publicly himself.
Musiala’s clarification provides important context after two visually concerning incidents in quick succession. The first occurred against Leipzig in hot conditions, but the recurrence against Heidenheim prompted renewed questions over his health despite the player having been able to leave the pitch under his own power on both occasions.
The Germany international has asked for the precise medical details to remain private between himself, his family, Bayern and the specialists treating him. His statement nevertheless made clear that he intends to continue his normal routine and football career under medical supervision.
The development comes as Bayern complete their final preparations for the new season, with Musiala remaining one of the central figures in Vincent Kompany’s squad following his return from the serious leg injury that sidelined him for a significant period last year.