Bayern Munich attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala has revealed he is receiving treatment for a neurological dysfunction after collapsing on the pitch twice in four days.
The 23-year-old fell down just six minutes after coming off the bench during Bayern's 4-2 pre-season friendly victory against Heidenheim on Tuesday. Musiala received medical treatment after the incident, appeared dazed, and was helped off the pitch before being replaced by Cassiano Kiala.
The collapse followed a similar incident on Saturday during Bayern's 3-1 victory over RB Leipzig. On Tuesday evening, Musiala posted on Instagram to shed light on the situation and ease concerns regarding his health.
Instagram Statement and Medical Care
Writing on social media, Musiala expressed gratitude to supporters and explained his diagnosis. "First things first, I am doing well. I am incredibly grateful for your messages and your support!" he said. "I understand that many of you are worried. I would like to put those concerns to rest today and explain the situation: I have been diagnosed with brief, temporary - but treatable - absence seizures resulting from a neurological dysfunction."
The midfielder noted that the seizures accounted for his recent collapses on the field but confirmed he is receiving expert medical care. "These can lead to the kind of incidents seen recently, such as during the match against Leipzig or the game in Heidenheim," Musiala added. "I know they might look alarming at first glance, but for me, they are currently part of my everyday life. I am receiving excellent medical care and remain very optimistic. FC Bayern and my personal support network are right by my side, helping me through this."
Medical Clearance and Player Future
Musiala emphasized that continuing to play football does not place him at further health risk. "Importantly, there is no further health risk involved," he said. "In close consultation and regular contact with the experts, it was my personal wish to face this challenge; with the medical clearance of the neurologists, I want to continue doing what helps my recovery most: simply living my life and pursuing my passion for playing football."
He added that he had taken full responsibility for the decision to keep playing while undergoing treatment and requested privacy. "I have taken full responsibility for this decision. Overall, I feel very positive and am on the right track," Musiala wrote. "What helps me most on this journey is continuing to chase victories and titles with my team and with your amazing support. I hope this helps you understand the situation better. At the same time, I ask for your understanding regarding my wish to keep this matter private, sharing it only with my closest circle, the club, and the medical experts."
Background on Absence Seizures and Bayern Munich
Absence seizures are brief, temporary neurological episodes that cause a sudden, short lapse of attention or awareness, often making a person appear dazed or uncommunicative for several seconds before regaining focus. Musiala, a key player for both Bayern Munich and the German national team, is regarded as one of football's leading young talents.
Bayern Munich, who play in the German Bundesliga, have been preparing for the upcoming season with pre-season friendly matches. Before Musiala's announcement, Bayern sporting director Max Eberl told reporters after the Heidenheim match that the club was aware of the midfielder's condition. "We knew about it and we are aware of the situation. Jamal will speak out. He's in the dressing room, getting changed and taking a shower," Eberl said.
