Bayern’s Rising Star: The Alpine Zidane

Suddenly Konrad Laimer seemed to have an idea. While keeper Jonas Urbig, who represented Manuel Neuer in the record champions’ box on this cheerful Bayern afternoon, was still pushing the ball in front of him and looking for a pass-off point, the Austrian sprinted as if bitten by a tarantula from the right-back position into the attack center, where he elegantly plucked Urbig’s following ball and turned directly towards the goal.

With his head up, Laimer served Michael Olise, who was running with him. Just a few seconds later he got the ball back, a little too far in the back, but that didn’t bother Laimer. The 28-year-old took the Frenchman’s pass with his heel and put it through Alexander Nübel’s legs – and a whiff of “Goal of the Month” wafted through the arena in Stuttgart.

“You’re all welcome to vote. I haven’t won that thing yet. I’d definitely like to,” said Laimer with a broad smile after the massive win over VfB (5-0).

Bayern’s sports director Max Eberl later confirmed that he was serious about it.

“He just asked me if I would vote for him for ‘Goal of the Month’. I guess I have to do it now,” said the 52-year-old to the waiting journalists.

Another legitimate question that Laimer could ask his boss after months of top performance: When will I get a new contract?

“I’m taking it easy. I’m trying to concentrate on football. Other people are talking anyway, or other people are responsible. The best advertising is always when you play football well,” explained Laimer, whose current contract expires in the summer of 2027.

So time for a new nickname?

“Alpen-Zidane,” replied the all-rounder, who played in all competitive games for FC Bayern this season, when asked SPORT1which he likes better: Konradinho or Laimerson?

He received approval from his assistant coach René Maric, who posted a video of Laimer’s goal after the victory in Stuttgart and brought another option into play: “Laimer Yamal”.

Laimer himself has already given his answer.