During Bayern's final pre-season friendly against Heidenheim on 18/8, the 23-year-old star once again collapsed on the field. The first incident occurred three days prior during a friendly against RB Leipzig in the Telekom Cup match at Allianz Arena. Musiala entered the game in the 69th minute, and German newspaper Bild reported at the time that he collapsed due to dizziness and circulatory issues caused by the hot weather.

Jamal Musiala receiving medical attention from doctors during the Bayern Munich – RB Leipzig friendly at Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany on 15/8/2026. Photo: AP

At that time, after being helped by teammate Ismael Saibari and attended to by doctors, the German international took a few minutes to stand up on his own and leave the field, being substituted.

In the friendly against Heidenheim, Musiala came on in the 61st minute, and just four minutes later, the incident recurred. He collapsed without any contact. The medical team immediately rushed onto the field, and teammates quickly formed a barrier around him while he received care. After a few minutes, Musiala was able to stand up with the doctors' assistance.

Bild newspaper described immediately after the match: "His shoulders trembled with dizziness before he left the field immediately and went straight to the dressing room. The pathway was closed from both sides, and Musiala was likely undergoing medical examinations."

Bayern's sporting director, Max Eberl, spoke vaguely. "Jamal will make an official announcement soon. We were aware of this beforehand and fully understand the situation. He is in the dressing room, changing and showering," he stated.

When pressed by a reporter about why Musiala was allowed to play if they already knew, Eberl simply replied, "Jamal will talk about it soon."

Musiala quickly alleviated the anxiety and concern with a post on his personal Instagram account shortly after. The player, born in 2003, revealed he is being treated for a "neurological disorder."

"First and foremost, I want to confirm that I am okay, and thank everyone for their messages and support," Musiala wrote. "I know you are all very worried. I want to clear up those concerns and explain further. I have been diagnosed with short-term, temporary absence seizures. This is a condition that is completely treatable and stems from a neurological dysfunction."

Jamal Musiala being helped off the field by a doctor after collapsing during the Heidenheim – Bayern Munich friendly at Voith Arena, Heidenheim, Germany on 18/8/2026. Photo: EyesWideOpen

According to Musiala, this medical condition led to the episodes in the two recent friendlies. While it might sound alarming, for him, it is currently just a part of everyday life.

"I am receiving the best possible medical care and feel very optimistic. Importantly, this condition does not pose any other health risks. After thorough consultation and regular discussions with specialists, my personal wish is to confront this challenge. With the approval of neurologists, I want to continue doing what helps my recovery the most: living a normal life and pursuing my passion for playing football. I take full responsibility for that decision."

Musiala previously missed the first six months of last season due to a fractured ankle sustained at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. He returned for the second half of the season and started three of the four matches for the German national team at the World Cup 2026.

Bayern is scheduled to kick off their domestic season this weekend in the German Supercup match against Borussia Dortmund. The club has not yet commented on whether Musiala will be included in the squad for that crucial match.

By Ha Phuong