Bayern Munich forward Jamal Musiala has broken his silence after collapsing on the pitch twice within four days, confirming he has been diagnosed with a neurological condition causing brief absence seizures.
The 23-year-old first fell during Bayern's 3-1 friendly win over RB Leipzig on Saturday, where he was caught and lowered to the ground by teammate Ismael Saibari after appearing disoriented. He walked off with medical staff before returning to training with the squad shortly after.
Just days later, Musiala suffered a similar episode during Bayern's 4-2 friendly victory at Heidenheim on Tuesday. Having come on as a substitute for Saibari in the 61st minute, he collapsed within minutes of entering the pitch and was withdrawn for Cassiano Kiala. Players from both sides formed a protective circle around him as he received treatment on the turf, and he was helped off by medics, though he appeared to be walking under his own power. Goals from Felipe Chávez, Arijon Ibrahimovic, Luis Díaz and Nathaniel Brown secured the win for Bayern.
Immediately after the Heidenheim match, Bayern sporting director Max Eberl addressed the incident cautiously, telling reporters the club had been aware of the underlying issue. "Jamal will speak about this in the near future. We knew about it and we are aware of the situation," Eberl said, adding that the player was in the dressing room at the time.
Musiala subsequently issued a lengthy statement via Instagram, thanking fans for their concern and detailing the diagnosis behind the two incidents. "First things first, I am doing well. I am incredibly grateful for your messages and your support!" he wrote. "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."
He went on to explain that these episodes were behind both collapses. "These can lead to the kind of incidents seen recently, such as during the match against Leipzig or the game in Heidenheim," he said. "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. Importantly, there is no further health risk involved."
Musiala stressed that continuing to play was a decision he made himself, in coordination with medical experts. "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 said, adding that he has "taken full responsibility for this decision."
He further noted that pursuing success with his club remains a source of motivation. "What helps me most on this journey is continuing to chase victories and titles with my team and with your amazing support," he wrote, before asking for privacy regarding the matter going forward, saying he wished to share further details only with his close circle, the club and medical staff.
The timing of the scare is significant for Bayern, who open their Bundesliga title defense on August 28 against VfB Stuttgart and face Borussia Dortmund in the German Supercup this Saturday. It remains unclear whether Musiala will be available for either fixture.
This latest setback adds to a difficult run of injuries for the German international, who missed the first half of last season after breaking his ankle at the 2025 Club World Cup. He returned in the second half of the campaign and started three of Germany's four matches at the 2026 World Cup, but managed only 15 league appearances in total last season.
Based on reporting from Standard Football, The Guardian, The Independent, and BBC Sport.