Wednesday 23 November 2022 12:05 PM Who is the real Jamal Musiala? Meet Germany's South London superstar trends now
Few would have thought just two years ago that Jamal Musiala with his light frame, medium height and innocent demeanour that earned him the nickname 'Bambi' would become one of the key Germany players for the 2022 World Cup.
The 19-year-old is considered one of the greatest prospects in world football having flourished for European giants Bayern Munich since breaking through in 2020 - and he will have a chance to show his talent on the biggest stage today when the Germans kick off their Group E campaign against Japan.
The teenage sensation, following a stellar season start with Bayern Munich where he scored nine goals and delivered six assists so far, is expected to be Germany's conductor in attack, operating between central midfield and the front line.
His pace, passing, creative play and scoring ability has quickly drawn comparisons with other big names, with former Germany captain Lothar Matthaeus drawing parallels to Argentina great Lionel Messi.
Musiala, who moved from Germany to England when he was seven with his family, cut his teeth in England as a youngster, running through the national youth system all the way to the England Under-21 before moving to Bayern in 2019.
But Musiala, who is close friends with England superstar Jude Bellingham, has opted to play for his country of birth in the World Cup, dealing a massive blow to coach Gareth Southgate's England team.
'It wasn't an easy decision for me. I have a heart for Germany and a heart for England. Both hearts will keep on beating,' Musiala told The Athletic after confirming his allegiance.
Jamal Musiala of Bayern Munich shoots the ball during a training session at Saebener Strasse training ground in April this year
He went through the national youth system all the way to the England Under-21 before moving to Bayern in 2019
Here the football sensation is pictured with his family at Allianz Arena on May 8, 2022
Musiala (bottom row, second right) is close friends with Jude Bellingham (bottom row far left)
Southgate previously admitted in a press conference: 'We'd have liked him to stay [with England] for certain. But when you're training at Bayern Munich every day and you're surrounded by Bayern Munich and German players, then that's a little bit more challenging and of course his family have those strong ties.
'We enjoyed working with him when he was in our junior teams. He was a really nice boy to work with. We knew he was going to be, and he is, a good player.'
But on Monday Musiala credited his England youth period for helping him develop his creative game that has quickly turned him into one of the rising stars of the sport.
'I think a comparison with Messi is something like an honour,' Musiala told a news conference.
'He plays at top level for so long and to be compared with him is a bit difficult. I just focus on me and what I can do better as Jamal and keep going.'
He has been carrying one piece of advice he got from his English coaches that has helped him become the player he is today.
'I think in England you learn different things than in Germany. I took a lot with me. They used to say 'play with freedom',' he said.
'This is something I took with me in my career and this will remain with me.'
Musiala has credited his England youth period for helping him develop his creative game that has quickly turned him into one of the rising stars of the sport
Jamal Musiala posing during the official FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 portrait session on November 17, 2022 in Doha, Qatar
Born to a Nigerian father and German mother in Stuttgart, Musiala initially grew up in Fulda, central Germany, until his parents moved to Southampton when he was seven, as his mother Carolin was studying at the university.
Searching for a local club, his father Rich turned up to Southampton's St Mary's Stadium where he met Jazz Bhatti, who works for the Saints Foundation charity and also helps run the City Central club with his brother Rosh.
Jazz
