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Bayern Munich, Musiala and the Club World Cup: What now? - DW - 07/07/2025

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, August 29th 2025 at 8:14 GMT by dw
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Bayern Munich, Musiala, and the Club World Cup – What Now?

In the spring of 2024, Bayern Munich’s season had already written itself in headlines: a triumphant Bundesliga campaign, a dramatic run to the Champions League final, and the crowning of Germany’s most talented young star, Erling Musiala. The German giants, who secured their 12th German league title under Julian Nagelsmann, now face a new stage – the expanded 2024 FIFA Club World Cup, slated to take place in Qatar in December. A look back at Bayern’s journey and the implications for the club’s future shows why the Club World Cup will be both a test of depth and a platform for Musiala to cement his place among the world’s elite.

Bayern’s Season in Review

Bayern’s 2023‑24 campaign began with a strong start in the Bundesliga, topping the table and keeping rivals RB Leipzig and 1 FC Köln in the race. The squad, built on a mix of seasoned veterans and a cadre of homegrown talents, showcased tactical versatility that Nagelsmann has championed: a 4‑3‑3 formation that blurs the lines between midfield and attack.

Musiala, who turned 22 this summer, was the club’s talisman. In the league he netted 11 goals and provided 13 assists, a record for a 19‑year‑old at Bayern. The midfielder’s ability to glide past defenders and drop into the box was pivotal in many of Bayern’s wins, and the manager praised him as “the heartbeat of our future”.

In Europe, Bayern’s journey was a roller‑coaster. After an injury‑hit group stage, they powered through to the quarter‑finals, edging out Inter Milan on penalties. The semi‑final against Real Madrid was a showcase of German flair and Spanish tenacity, but a 3‑1 loss in the final on 1 June 2024 left Bayern to lick their wounds. It was the first time the German club had failed to defend their Champions League crown since 2013.

Despite the setback, Bayern entered the Club World Cup as the reigning European champions, a privilege that brings not just a trophy, but also a new revenue stream and a chance to solidify the club’s brand on the global stage.

The Expanded Club World Cup

FIFA announced in late 2023 that the Club World Cup would expand from eight to 12 teams, adding a “Super‑Group” stage before the knockout rounds. The format aims to give more clubs from Asia, Africa, and the Americas a taste of world‑class competition, while retaining the traditional powerhouses from Europe and South America.

For Bayern, this structure offers a unique opportunity: a two‑day group stage that tests squad rotation, squad depth, and tactical flexibility. The club will face a mix of domestic league champions from the AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, and CONMEBOL, alongside the reigning UEFA and MLS champions. While the matches will be scheduled in the cold Qatari winter, the high‑profile nature of the event promises lucrative broadcasting rights and sponsorship deals.

Nagelsmann sees the Club World Cup as a “chance to finish the year on a high note”, noting that a trophy in Doha would reinforce Bayern’s status as a global club. “It’s not just about winning a trophy; it’s about demonstrating our consistency across all fronts,” he said in a recent interview.

Musiala’s Rising Star

Musiala’s performances this season have already drawn comparisons to the likes of Jürgen Klinsmann and Thomas Müller. A 1.87‑meter midfielder with a natural left foot, his blend of technical skill and physicality has allowed him to thrive both in the Bundesliga and in Europe.

The young talent has already earned a call‑up to the German senior squad, making his debut in a friendly against Spain earlier this summer. While he has yet to find the back of the net for Germany, his playmaking abilities have earned praise from pundits. The Club World Cup will be a platform for Musiala to showcase his talents to a worldwide audience. “He’s a player who can turn the game with a single moment,” Nagelsmann remarked. “If he keeps his confidence, I believe he can become the face of German football.”

The club’s youth policy, long praised for producing talents such as Frenkie de Jong, Philippe Lukaku, and Arno Müller, will be on display as well. Bayern’s academy has nurtured a generation of players who blend German discipline with international flair, a philosophy that will be reflected in their performance in Qatar.

Future Challenges and Opportunities

While the Club World Cup presents a glamorous opportunity, Bayern’s management must also contend with looming uncertainties. Several key veterans – Mats Hummels, Thomas Müller, and Julian Nagelsmann – have signaled interest in new challenges or extended contracts, and the club must balance their experience with the integration of youth.

Nagelsmann’s contract, set to expire at the end of the 2023‑24 season, adds an element of intrigue. Although he has expressed loyalty to Bayern, rumors about a potential move to the Premier League or a return to the Bundesliga’s “old guard” are swirling. The club’s board has, however, indicated a willingness to keep the manager in place if the right terms are offered.

In terms of squad changes, Bayern has already begun scouting potential targets to bolster their defense and midfield. The club’s transfer budget, bolstered by the financial windfall from the Club World Cup and commercial deals, provides flexibility to invest in emerging talents or established stars.

The 2024 Club World Cup will also provide a chance for Bayern to evaluate their youth prospects in a high‑pressure environment. Musiala and other younger players – such as Jamal Nouri and Lennard Schaufelberger – could benefit from a taste of international competition, which might accelerate their development and readiness for the next Bundesliga season.

Looking Ahead

Bayern Munich’s 2024 calendar will be a blend of domestic commitments, European fixtures, and the high‑profile Club World Cup. The club’s ambition is clear: to win a trophy in Qatar, cement Musiala’s status as a future star, and maintain their reputation as a model of sustainable football.

The Club World Cup offers a unique lens on the club’s depth, strategy, and global aspirations. It will also serve as a crucible for young talents and a showcase for the club’s commercial ambitions. Whether Bayern can convert the tournament into a triumph remains to be seen, but the stage is set: a team built on German resilience, led by a visionary coach, and propelled by a youthful star ready to claim his place on the world stage.

As the world watches, Bayern’s performance in Qatar could determine the next chapter of the club’s storied history – one that might see Musiala rise to become a household name, and Bayern cement its position as a global football powerhouse.