Lennart Karl remains the talk of the town at FC Bayern – and not just because of his sporting explosion. The 17-year-old scores again in the Champions League, shines with maturity and coolness and is now regularly named “Man of the Match”. But after the 3-1 win against Sporting Lisbon, one scene in particular took center stage: his celebration. The finger on the lips – a gesture that immediately triggered interpretations.
Like Christian Falk and Tobi Altschäffl im BILD-Podcast Bayern Insider reportsKarl’s reaction was very consciously noticed in the stadium. Immediately after his goal to make it 2-1, the youngster ran to the north curve and sent a clear, albeit silent, message.
The reporters wanted to clarify the meaning immediately after the final whistle, but Karl let them slip – consciously or unconsciously. “We waited in the stadium, I think all the players were gone an hour and a half after the final whistle. But Lennart Karl sneaked past us. He didn’t come, we couldn’t ask him,” said Altschäffl.
It was precisely this unclear situation that led to suspicions quickly growing.
Basel criticism in the background – was it an answer?
Mario Basler had recently publicly criticized Karl and sparked a Messi debate that the player himself had never sought. Basler said that Karl “doesn’t even have Lionel Messi’s little toe” – although the 17-year-old had simply stated that Messi was his role model.
Falk classifies the cheers accordingly: “The suspicion is of course that he meant Mario Basler.” Altschäffl adds: “I have the feeling that he wasn’t a fan of Lennart Karl from day one.”
It’s clear to the reporters: Karl has heard the criticism – and is now answering it in his own way. No words, no provocation, just a gesture. And it seems all the stronger because it came at a moment when he was once again carrying his team.
Karl’s development makes any discussion secondary
The fact that the youngster finds himself in this situation shows how far his path has already progressed. Karl constantly delivers arguments on the pitch.
Altschäffl sums it up: “I think you’re starting to see that Lennart Karl has something on his plate.”
His development is a gift for FC Bayern. In a phase in which important key performers are missing and the stress is high, the 17-year-old takes on responsibility like an experienced one. He plays with courage, with ease and now also with a self-confidence that doesn’t seem arrogant – but rather proven.
It remains to be seen whether the cheers were really intended as a message to Basel residents. But the symbolism remains: Lennart Karl has a voice – and he now decides for himself when to raise it and when to respond in silence.
