Bayern's Musiala Diagnosed with Treatable Absence Seizures

Jamal Musiala has revealed he is living with “treatable absence seizures” after collapsing on the pitch for the second time in four days, but the Bayern Munich winger insists there is no long-term health risk and says he intends to keep playing.

The 23-year-old went down eight minutes after coming on as a substitute in Bayern’s friendly against Heidenheim on Tuesday night. He had only just replaced Ismael Saibari on 61 minutes when he suddenly fell to the turf, appeared dazed and required medical treatment before being helped off and substituted by Cassiano Kiala.

The incident came hard on the heels of a similar collapse in Saturday’s friendly against RB Leipzig. Two scares in less than a week, both in public view, both unsettling for team-mates and supporters.

On Wednesday, Musiala chose to address the situation directly. In a detailed message on Instagram, the Germany international explained that doctors had diagnosed him with brief, temporary absence seizures caused by a neurological dysfunction.

“I understand that many of you are worried. I would like to put those concerns to rest today and explain the situation,” he wrote. “I have been diagnosed with brief, temporary – but treatable – absence seizures resulting from a neurological dysfunction. These can lead to the kind of incidents seen recently, such as during the match against Leipzig or the game in Heidenheim.”

He stressed that, while the episodes look dramatic, they are being managed and monitored.

“I know they might look alarming at first glance, but for me, they are currently part of my everyday life. I am receiving excellent medical care and remain very optimistic. FC Bayern and my personal support network are right by my side, helping me through this. Importantly, there is no further health risk involved.”

Musiala also made it clear that, with specialist approval, he wants to continue on the pitch.

“In close consultation and regular contact with the experts, it was my personal wish to face this challenge; with the medical clearance of the neurologists, I want to continue doing what helps my recovery most: simply living my life and pursuing my passion for playing football.”

Inside the club, the issue is no surprise. Bayern’s sporting director, Max Eberl, moved quickly after the Heidenheim match to calm speculation, indicating the situation was already known internally.

“Jamal will speak about this in the near future. We knew about it and we are aware of the situation,” Eberl said.

On the night, Bayern still completed a 4-2 win, with Felipe Chávez, Arijon Ibrahimovic, Luis Díaz and Nathaniel Brown all on the scoresheet. Yet the image that lingered was of Musiala on the grass again, staff rushing to his aid, a young star confronting a condition that now sits alongside his career.

He says he will keep playing. The doctors have cleared him. Bayern stand behind him. The next test comes when the friendlies give way to competitive football and the spotlight sharpens on every step he takes.