Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany has expressed his extreme frustration and anger after Jamal Musiala sustained a "horror injury" during their Club World Cup quarter-final match against Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, July 5, 2025. The 22-year-old German international suffered the injury in what appeared to be an innocuous collision with PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. The incident occurred late in the first half of the match held in Atlanta, during which PSG secured a 2-0 victory.
Musiala was visibly distressed as he was stretchered off the pitch, later being replaced by Serge Gnabry. Initial reports suggest that Musiala may have fractured his ankle. Sky in Germany reported that Musiala was taken to the hospital for further evaluation. According to German outlet Bild, medical reports confirmed a serious injury that will keep the 21-year-old sidelined for four to five months. Video replays showed Musiala's left ankle appearing to dangle to the side after Donnarumma landed on his leg. Numerous teammates reacted with shock and concern, immediately signaling for medical assistance.
Kompany conveyed the depth of his emotions to reporters after the game. "I've rarely been so angry at half-time, not against my players," Kompany stated. He further emphasized the personal impact of the injury on Musiala, saying, "There are many things in life that are much more important than this, but in the end, for these guys, it's their life. Someone like Jamal lives for this, and he (recently) came back from a setback. And then it happens in the way it happens, and you feel powerless". Musiala had recently returned to the team after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in April.
Kompany also highlighted Musiala's importance to the team, expressing his disappointment that such an injury would befall someone who "enjoys the game so much" and is "very important for us". Despite his anger, Kompany urged his team to draw strength from Musiala's injury and dedicate their efforts to him. "You try and get strength out of it because you want to do it for Jamal," he explained.
Even though Kompany refrained from making a definitive diagnosis, he acknowledged that "it didn't look good" and suspected an ankle injury. The loss of Musiala is a significant blow to Bayern Munich, potentially forcing them to start the next season without one of their key players. Musiala's absence will be felt deeply, especially considering the team's recent loss of Florian Wirtz to Liverpool in the transfer market, leaving a void in the attacking midfield position.
Support for Musiala poured in from players on both teams. PSG defender Marquinhos offered a "shout-out to Jamal Musiala," while Achraf Hakimi expressed his support and wished for Musiala's swift return to the pitch.
Musiala's injury is a significant setback for Bayern Munich as they look ahead to the remainder of 2025. The club will need to reshuffle its attack and rely on other young talents to carry the load while hoping for a full and successful recovery for their star midfielder. With his estimated recovery timeline, Musiala is expected to miss the start of the 2025-26 Bundesliga season as well as key matches in the Champions League group stage.
