Jamal Musiala, Bayern Munich's Germany international, collapsed on the pitch for the second time in four days, during a preseason friendly against Heidenheim on Tuesday. He had come on as a substitute and fell to the turf, with players from both teams forming a circle around him as he received treatment. It followed a similar incident in a Saturday friendly against RB Leipzig. After the game, Musiala took to Instagram to explain that he had been diagnosed with temporary, brief, but treatable absence seizures resulting from a neurological dysfunction.
According to the Instagram post, the episodes can be alarming at first glance but are currently part of his daily life. Musiala said he is receiving excellent medical care, is very optimistic, and that his club and family remain by his side. Crucially, he added that doctors have told him there is no additional health risk, and while he is focusing on recovery, he intends to continue playing football with the neurologists' medical clearance.
Deutsche Welle reports that the diagnosis arrived after Musiala was helped off the pitch against Heidenheim looking dazed just six minutes after entering the game. The outlet also provided educational detail on absence seizures, consulting the Epilepsy Foundation's description that they arise from brief abnormal electrical activity in the brain. These seizures are split into typical and atypical forms, with typical cases causing a person to abruptly stop and appear switched off for 10 to 20 seconds. It is not yet clear which type Musiala is experiencing. The condition, also known as a type of epilepsy, sparked wide support, including messages from Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and former forward Thomas Müller.
The story had a personal tone, as Musiala's own words were central. Sky Sports also carried the full text of the Instagram update, quoting him as saying, "First things first, I am doing well..." and that he has taken responsibility and feels positive, while requesting privacy.
Medical Expert Assessment
After the second collapse, German outlet BILD consulted Prof. Christoph Kleinschnitz, head of neurology at the University Hospital Essen. According to goal.com, Kleinschnitz provided an expert assessment suggesting the condition could potentially be absence epilepsy, as the episodes are consistent with brief unresponsiveness. He emphasized that a definite assessment would require all findings from neurological exams, but that the condition is highly treatable and would require long-term therapy. Musiala can continue playing, the neurologist stated.
Bayern's official report, as cited by Africa News, described the situation as a setback after Musiala had to leave the field following a knock just minutes after coming on. The club's sporting director, Max Eberl, affirmed that the club is fully aware and supporting the player.
Musiala's Injury History
This news comes against a backdrop of previous fitness struggles. goal.com recalls that Musiala missed a significant portion of the 2025-26 season due to a fractured fibula and a dislocated broken ankle sustained during a Club World Cup match against Paris Saint-Germain. Deutsche Welle equally listed his injury history, including a broken leg in the same Club World Cup last July, a stop-start period with an ankle injury in March, and a small operation to remove a metal plate from his foot.
Now, managing the newly diagnosed neurological condition adds another layer to his recovery. Bayern Munich reportedly told German press agency DPA, as per Deutsche Welle, that the absence seizures pose no threat to Musiala's career.
Upcoming Matches
Bayern's season is about to get underway. The club faces Borussia Dortmund in the German Supercup on Saturday, which has been remerced as the 'Franz Beckenbauer Supercup' this season. Bundesliga title defense the following Friday, August 28, against VfB Stuttgart in Munich, as reported by Deutsche Welle.
In his Instagram message, Musiala acknowledged the support and positives. He stated, "I am very optimistic. FC Bayern and my family and friends are by my side," while highlighting that the priority is recovery and ultimately, his desire to play. The football world has shown a response of support, including from teammates and peers.