Jamal Musiala Addresses Health Concerns After Collapsing on Pitch

Jamal Musiala has revealed he is living with treatable absence seizures after collapsing on the pitch for the second time in four days, but insists there is no long-term threat to his health and no intention of stepping away from football.

The Bayern Munich midfielder went down just eight minutes after coming on as a substitute in Tuesday night’s friendly against FC Heidenheim, echoing a similar, worrying scene from Saturday’s warm-up match against RB Leipzig. Twice in less than a week, one of Germany’s brightest talents lay on the turf as teammates and staff rushed towards him.

This time, Musiala chose to speak.

Musiala explains diagnosis

On Wednesday, the 23-year-old addressed the incidents directly in a detailed Instagram post, confirming that doctors have 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: I have been diagnosed with brief, temporary -- but treatable -- absence seizures resulting from a neurological dysfunction,” he wrote.

“These can lead to the kind of incidents seen recently, such as during the match against Leipzig or the game in Heidenheim.

“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.”

The images from both friendlies told their own story: Musiala suddenly dropping to the ground, medical staff sprinting on, the stadium falling into a hush. The explanation now adds crucial context — and, for Bayern, a measure of reassurance.

Bayern knew, Musiala chooses to play on

Bayern sporting director Max Eberl confirmed after the Heidenheim game that the club had been aware of Musiala’s condition before the latest incident.

Asked whether Musiala should have been on the pitch again so soon after collapsing against Leipzig, Eberl said the player would address the matter himself but stressed: “We knew about it and we are aware of the situation.”

Musiala’s own words underlined that point and made clear the decision to keep playing is his, backed by medical clearance.

“Importantly, there is no further health risk involved,” he wrote. “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.

“I have taken full responsibility for this decision. Overall, I feel very positive and am on the right track.”

He also admitted he had hoped to keep the matter out of the public eye.

Musiala said it had been his “wish to keep this matter private, sharing it only with my closest circle, the club, and the medical experts.” The two on-pitch collapses in quick succession made that impossible. The discussion around his health is now global, not confined to a dressing room or a doctor’s office.

From broken leg to World Cup stage

This is not the first major physical setback of Musiala’s young career.

He broke his leg last summer during Bayern’s Club World Cup clash with Paris Saint-Germain, a serious injury that cut short his season and forced a long rehabilitation. He did not return to competitive action until the start of the 2026 Bundesliga campaign.

Once back, he wasted little time re-establishing himself. Musiala became a key figure for Germany at the 2026 World Cup, carrying much of the creative burden in Julien Nagelsmann’s side. The tournament ended in shock, with Germany knocked out in the round of 32 by Paraguay, but Musiala’s influence on the pitch was unmistakable.

Now, another challenge stands in front of him, this time away from tackles and broken bones, rooted instead in neurology and careful monitoring.

The midfielder has made it clear he intends to confront it head-on, with doctors, club, and family behind him — and with the ball still at his feet.