Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeness said Jamal Musiala's illness can't be cured, only managed, and questioned whether the German star will ever return to his previous level.
After collapsing twice within four days during pre-season, Musiala, 23, was diagnosed with a treatable neurological dysfunction. His struggles raise uncertainty about his future at Bayern, where he’s contracted until 2030 after a stellar career that included a shared Golden Boot at Euro 2024.
We are facing a dilemma in this case, as he is suffering from an illness that cannot simply be cured, but it can be controlled to a certain extent with the use of medication
Hoeness questioned whether Musiala will one day regain the level he used to show.
But the question remains: will he one day be able to regain the level he used to show?
The path to diagnosis
Musiala hasn't played for Bayern since a hamstring injury in September, but has recently returned to training. He’s scored two goals in four appearances for Bayern in all competitions this season.
- August 2026Two collapses
Musiala collapsed twice within four days during pre-season.
- August 2026Diagnosis
Treatable neurological dysfunction identified.
- September 2026Hamstring injury
Musiala sidelined with injury.
- October 2026Return to training
Musiala recently returned to training.
The contractual dilemma
Because the illness can't simply be cured, the situation creates a dilemma for Bayern. Hoeness raised the hypothetical of Bayern questioning Musiala's contract on the grounds that what he can currently offer no longer matches the level stipulated in it.
Imagine if Bayern Munich now decided to question his contract, and told him: what you are able to offer currently no longer matches the level stipulated in the contract
Hoeness suggested Musiala's condition isn't covered by the insurance attached to his contract. Bayern would support Musiala, Hoeness said.
Matthaus: Hoeness is motivating, not dismissing
Lothar Matthaus, the former captain of Bayern and Germany, said Hoeness wants to spur Musiala on, not dismiss him.
He's needling him a little. It's not just about wrapping him in cotton wool. He also has to battle against adversity sometimes
Uli was looking to create that adversity with this statement.
Matthaus said Hoeness wanted Musiala to respond by proving he could return to his previous level.
If I were in Jamal Musiala's position, that would be motivation enough to show Uli I'm back.
It's fine for him to say something like that, because we can't just put a positive spin on things and somehow wait for him to come back.
Musiala's record at Bayern
At Euro 2024, Musiala shared the Golden Boot as joint-top scorer. Since joining Bayern in 2019 after progressing through Chelsea's academy, he has made 235 appearances, scoring 71 goals and providing 38 assists. He’s also earned 46 caps for Germany.
