Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala says he is receiving treatment for absence seizures linked to a neurological dysfunction after collapsing twice during pre-season matches.
The 23-year-old Germany international suffered the latest episode on Tuesday, 18 August, eight minutes after coming on as a substitute against Heidenheim. A similar incident occurred against RB Leipzig on Saturday, 15 August. Musiala later said he was doing well and receiving specialist care.
Jamal Musiala absence seizures raise concern
Musiala said the episodes are brief, temporary and treatable. He also said he had chosen to continue playing football after consulting neurological specialists and that he remained optimistic about managing the condition.
Bayern had known about signs of the problem before the two public incidents, according to honorary president Uli Hoeness. However, the collapse against Leipzig was the first time the problem had visibly affected Musiala during a match, BBC Sport reported.
Questions followed Bayern’s decision to use Musiala again against Heidenheim. Hoeness said the club had received written confirmation from neurologists and other specialists that they had no medical objection to Musiala participating in high-performance sport.
Harry Kane also backed his teammate. “He has the full support from everyone here at Bayern,” the England captain told BBC Sport.
What are absence seizures?
The Epilepsy Foundation says an absence seizure causes a brief loss of awareness or a period of staring. Typical episodes often last less than 10 to 20 seconds, while atypical seizures can last longer and may involve changes in movement or muscle tone.
Although absence seizures are more common in children, they can also occur in adults. Medication can control them in many cases. Importantly, sporting participation depends on the individual case and medical assessment rather than the diagnosis alone.
Bayern supports Musiala as new season approaches
The diagnosis comes after a difficult period with injuries. In July 2025, he suffered a fractured fibula together with a broken and dislocated ankle during Bayern’s Club World Cup quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Musiala returned after 196 days in January 2026. He then represented Germany at the 2026 World Cup before undergoing a planned routine procedure after the tournament.
Bayern are due to face Borussia Dortmund in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup on Saturday, 22 August. As of Thursday morning, no confirmed public timetable for Musiala’s next appearance was available. Bayern and Musiala have said specialist medical supervision will continue.
For now, the absence seizures will be managed with medical support while the midfielder continues his recovery and football career.