FC Bayern Munich finds itself in a financial and sporting dilemma regarding star midfielder Jamal Musiala, according to honorary president Uli Hoeneß.
The club’s record contract extension from February 2025 now anchors an annual salary of over 25 million euros through June 2030, making him one of the top earners alongside Harry Kane. Musiala has managed only 28 competitive appearances since July 2025 due to a fractured fibula sustained at the Club World Cup, subsequent ankle issues, a nervous disorder, and a recent hamstring strain.
Hoeneß questioned whether the 23-year-old international can ever return to his previous performance levels given a medical condition requiring ongoing medication management. Speaking on the BR television program Der Sonntags-Stammtisch, Hoeneß raised a hypothetical query about whether the club should question a contract when a player’s output no longer matches terms. The remarks triggered widespread debate across German football regarding the economic realities of long-term professional deals.
Borussia Dortmund advisor Matthias Sammer weighed in on the controversy during an appearance on Sky’s Sammer & Basile – der Hagedorn-Talk. I have to say, in the pit of my stomach that doesn’t feel good, because obviously for Jamal himself it’s a catastrophe,
Sammer said. He added that the club also possesses legitimate financial interests that cannot be ignored.
Sammer described Hoeneß as fiercely protective of players while simultaneously guarding the institutional welfare of Bayern Munich. When asked whether a club is justified in asking an injured player for a voluntary salary reduction, Sammer offered a blunt assessment.
And how that is legitimate! We don’t live in a fairytale land,
Sammer stated. He further suggested that Hoeneß’s public comments may stem from tense or unsuccessful preliminary discussions between club executives and Musiala’s representatives.
Former Germany international Didi Hamann firmly disagreed with the notion of asking the player to take a pay cut, telling BILD during a charity gala that a contract remains a binding obligation.
Hamann views the financial risk as entirely the responsibility of the club leadership that signed off on the historic agreement. You sign a contract and you don’t know what’s inside. That’s life,
Hamann said. The club paid him the salary. He didn’t make the contract himself.
Hamann recalled expressing initial skepticism when the club finalized the lucrative five-year extension in early 2025, but emphasized that management must stand by its decisions. Additional coverage highlighted that insurance policies do not cover this specific medical situation, leaving the club exposed to the full cost of the player’s lengthy rehabilitation periods.
FC Ingolstadt coach Achim Beierlorzer criticized the timing and public nature of the debate during an appearance on Bayerischer Rundfunk’s Blickpunkt Sport. In any case, such a statement brings turbulence,
Beierlorzer said. It helps neither Musiala nor the club nor the team.
The team has maintained internal unity despite a heavy injury list under manager Vincent Kompany, but external commentary complicates the locker room atmosphere. Sport Chief Max Eberl recently said that health supersedes sport, telling reporters that football is not the most important thing—health is.
Musiala returned to team training following a six-week layoff caused by a left thigh muscle fiber tear. The attacking midfielder aims to make his comeback after the upcoming international break, pending final medical clearance from coaching and training staff.
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