Jamal Musiala Reveals Treatable Absence Seizures
Jamal Musiala has revealed he is dealing with “treatable absence seizures” after collapsing on the pitch for the second time in four days, but insists there is no long-term health risk and that he intends to keep playing.
The Bayern Munich winger went down eight minutes after coming on as a substitute in Tuesday night’s friendly against Heidenheim, a worrying repeat of the incident that saw him require medical attention in Saturday’s game against RB Leipzig.
This time, there was no clash, no obvious trigger. Musiala had replaced Ismael Saibari in the 61st minute and was withdrawn again shortly after, with Cassiano Kiala sent on in his place. He appeared dazed as he received treatment and was helped from the field, leaving team-mates and staff clearly concerned.
The 23-year-old chose to address those fears directly. Posting on Instagram, he confirmed the diagnosis and tried to steady the mood around him.
“First things first, I am doing well. I am incredibly grateful for your messages and your support!” he wrote. “I understand that many of you are worried. I would like to put those concerns to rest today and explain the situation.
“I have been diagnosed with brief, temporary – but treatable – absence seizures resulting from a neurological dysfunction. These can lead to the kind of incidents seen recently, such as during the match against Leipzig or the game in Heidenheim.
“I know they might look alarming at first glance, but for me, they are currently part of my everyday life. I am receiving excellent medical care and remain very optimistic. FC Bayern and my personal support network are right by my side, helping me through this. Importantly, there is no further health risk involved.”
The Germany international stressed that, in consultation with specialists, he wants to continue playing.
“In close consultation and regular contact with the experts, it was my personal wish to face this challenge; with the medical clearance of the neurologists, I want to continue doing what helps my recovery most: simply living my life and pursuing my passion for playing football.”
Bayern’s hierarchy had already been aware of the situation. After the final whistle in Heidenheim, sporting director Max Eberl moved quickly to calm speculation.
“Jamal will speak about this in the near future. We knew about it and we are aware of the situation,” Eberl said.
On the night, Bayern still completed a 4-2 win, with Felipe Chávez, Arijon Ibrahimovic, Luis Díaz and Nathaniel Brown on the scoresheet. The result, though, sat firmly in the shadow of Musiala’s second collapse in less than a week.
He has chosen to confront it publicly, with clarity and optimism. The next test is whether he can continue to do the same on the pitch as Bayern’s season gathers pace.
