At 17, Lennart Karl writes a new chapter for Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich are entering the 2025/26 season as an unstoppable machine. Thirteen consecutive wins in all competitions – equalling AC Milan’s record of more than three decades – are testament to their destructive power.

And what's more special: they did it without Jamal Musiala, the creative star who broke his leg at last summer's Club World Cup.

From “Campus” to the heart of Bayern

In the absence of that conductor, Bayern still plays elegant and effective football, because a "new note" is ringing - Lennart Karl, the 17-year-old boy who is writing a fairy tale in Bavaria.

Within a week, Karl scored two important goals: one in the Bundesliga, one in the Champions League against Club Brugge - a goal that made him the youngest player in Bayern history to score in European competition. From being an unknown name to most fans, Karl was quickly mentioned as the next "bright pearl" of German football.

Without making a fuss, without creating a social media effect, he conquered everyone with his maturity, intelligence and modern playing style - the type of football that reflects the spirit of Bayern.

Lennart Karl plays football with flair and technique.

Born in Aschaffenburg in 2008, Karl joined Bayern's academy at the age of 12, after initially training at Viktoria Aschaffenburg and Eintracht Frankfurt. In three years, he progressed through the youth ranks, scoring dozens of goals and providing assists, and was awarded a professional contract until 2028 - with an automatic extension when he turns 18 in February 2026.

Karl was no accident. Bayern nurtured and shaped the young talent as part of their “reconstruction programme for German football” – where creativity, technique and speed were at the forefront. In Germany’s youth teams, Karl was often the driving force, scoring seven goals in 13 games for the U17s and always setting the tempo.

Bayern youth coach Patrick Kaniuth once described him: “Lennart is like Martin Ødegaard, but also has something of Robben and Michael Olise – a player who likes to cut inside and finish.”

The comparison is not an exaggeration. Karl can play as a “number 10”, a right-sided attacking midfielder or even drop deep to provide a link between the lines. He moves flexibly, turns quickly, and often unbalances opponents with short bursts of speed.

Lennart Karl is improving.

What makes Karl stand out is not just his skill, but how he handles the ball in tight spaces. His first touch is always forward, his body opens up multiple passing angles, and his quick ball movement makes him the perfect cog in Bayern's possession philosophy.

At just 1.67 metres tall, Karl uses his low centre of gravity to maintain excellent balance, enough to overcome challenges without losing the ball.

Calm, mature and unhurried

At 17, composure is rare – and that is Karl’s most outstanding quality. He does not try to prove himself with elaborate moves. Instead, every move is neat, precise and serves the team. It is this that Vincent Kompany, Bayern’s head coach, especially likes: “I don’t like hype. Lennart needs to focus on training and stay calm. He will have his chance at the right time.”

Calm as he is, Karl is anything but ordinary. He has the ability to accelerate and make decisions very quickly in a small space, a skill that only appears in players with an innate football mindset. In an environment as high in intensity as the Bundesliga, Karl shows an amazing ability to adapt: always knowing when to dribble, when to pass, and especially knowing how to choose the right time to finish early before the defense closes in.

The youth statistics speak for themselves: over 30 goals and 10 assists in just two seasons for Bayern’s U17 and U19 teams. He’s not a romantic “classic number 10”, but a system-builder who knows how to make the team work. Under Kompany, Karl is learning how to press, hold his position and help out defensively – the pieces needed to become a complete player.

Karl is a reminder that football is still a game of inspiration - and sometimes, one touch from a 17-year-old can make all of Europe look up.

Behind Karl is a silent mentor: Michael Ballack, former captain of the German national team, now his advisor and agent. Ballack helps Karl keep his feet on the ground, away from media pressure and focus on his career. That is what makes Karl different from many German "prodigies" who have faded away because of the halo too early.

Bayern’s plans for Karl are also cautious. He will be rotated in a variety of attacking roles – from right wing inside, central “number 10” to left wing – to develop his two-footed ability and tactical thinking. In parallel, Karl will be promoted to the German U21 team in November, an important stepping stone before dreaming of a place in the national team.

Lennart Karl is not yet the next Jamal Musiala, but he is writing the first chapter of a new story. While Bayern continue to soar with Kompany, the 17-year-old is quietly creating his own symphony - where technique, intelligence and composure blend into a delicate rhythm.

At the Allianz Arena, amid the perfect machines and expensive superstars, Karl is a reminder that football is still a game of inspiration - and sometimes, a touch of the ball at 17 can make all of Europe look up.

Source: https://znews.vn/tuoi-17-lennart-karl-viet-chuong-moi-cho-bayern-munich-post1597699.html