Players who have represented both Bayern Munich and Arsenal
Bayern Munich and Arsenal, who are due to meet in the league phase of the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League on October 21, 2026, share a small group of players who have worn both clubs’ colours, most notably Lukas Podolski and Serge Gnabry.
Bayern Munich and the English Premier League side Arsenal are described as two of Europe’s most prominent clubs, with Bayern dominant in the German top division and Arsenal experiencing a resurgence in English football. Because of their consistent performances, both clubs are competing strongly against other top European teams. Led by Vincent Kompany, Bayern Munich came very close to clinching the UCL title last year, but were knocked out by PSG during the semi-finals. Similarly, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal also missed out on clinching the European silverware after their defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the final.
Lukas Podolski began in the youth setup at FC Köln and made his senior debut in the 2003-04 season, performances that prompted Bayern Munich to sign him in 2006. Podolski was noted for a powerful left foot and the ability to score from distance. He joined the Gunners in 2012 and played under Arsene Wenger, where he made an immediate impact by contributing goals and assists while featuring alongside established Premier League players. After strong displays for club and country, he became one of the most recognisable German forwards of his generation.
Serge Gnabry arrived in Arsenal’s youth system in 2011 after spells in other youth setups and progressed to make his senior debut in 2012. He struggled to make an impact in the English Premier League with Arsenal and was loaned to West Bromwich Albion for a period. Following that loan he returned to Germany and signed for Werder Bremen, where his performances in the Bundesliga drew attention and led to a move to Bayern Munich in 2017. Gnabry initially spent time on loan at TSG Hoffenheim before becoming an important part of Bayern’s attacking unit.
The overlap in personnel is limited to a few names, with Podolski and Gnabry the two players highlighted as having represented both clubs during their careers. Their career paths illustrate moves between the German and English leagues before settling at the other club at different stages of their development.
Bayern Munich and Arsenal will meet in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League 2026-27 on October 21, 2026, a fixture that brings these two clubs and their shared player histories back into direct competition.