Jamal Musiala collapses again in Heidenheim friendly, provides health update

Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala collapsed during a pre‑season friendly against Heidenheim at the Voith‑Arena in Heidenheim on Tuesday, August 18; it was the second time in four days he had collapsed during a match. The 23‑year‑old Germany international went down after coming off the bench.

Musiala was introduced as a substitute in the 69th minute and went to ground off the ball four minutes later in the 73rd minute. Teammates and opponents formed a protective circle while Bayern’s medical staff treated him on the pitch, and he was able to walk off the field on his own feet.

This was the second consecutive match in which Musiala collapsed off the ball, having also gone to ground at the end of the match against RB Leipzig on August 14. BILD reported that after the Leipzig incident he complained of "dizziness, circulatory issues and feeling feverish," and initial speculation suggested heat exhaustion; he subsequently missed the team presentation on Monday and trained individually.

Bayern sporting director Max Eberl declined to provide any definite update on Musiala’s health after the Heidenheim match, and the player posted an update on social media. "First things first – I’m doing well! … I understand that many of you are worried. I want to put those concerns to rest today and explain a little more," Musiala wrote on Instagram.

Musiala said he has been diagnosed with "brief, temporary episodes of absence that are easily treatable and are caused by a neurological dysfunction. These can lead to the moments that have occurred recently, such as those against Leipzig and now in Heidenheim." He thanked the club and his loved ones and confirmed the condition posed "no additional risk."

He added: "In close consultation and regular communication with the specialists, it was my personal wish to face this challenge and, with the approval of the neurological specialists, to continue doing what helps me most in my recovery: simply living my everyday life and continuing to pursue my passion for playing football."

Musiala reassured supporters via Instagram that he is doing well following the collapse in Heidenheim and explained the diagnosis and the approach agreed with specialists.