Jamal Musiala Opens Up About Treatable Absence Seizures
Jamal Musiala has revealed he is living with “treatable absence seizures” after collapsing on the pitch for the second time in four days, but insists there is no long-term risk to his health and that he intends to keep playing.
The Bayern Munich and Germany star went down just eight minutes after coming on as a substitute in a pre-season friendly against FC Heidenheim on Tuesday night, a worrying repeat of the incident that forced him off in Saturday’s game against RB Leipzig.
This time, he chose to explain.
Musiala: “I am doing well”
Posting on Instagram, the 23-year-old moved quickly to calm fears.
“First things first, I am doing well. I am incredibly grateful for your messages and your support!” he wrote, before addressing the nature of his condition.
“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.”
The images of Musiala suddenly dropping to the turf twice in less than a week had sparked concern across Germany and beyond. He acknowledged how unsettling it looked, but stressed that, for him, this is something he is learning to manage.
“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.”
Determined to keep playing
The key line for Bayern and Germany fans came next. Musiala made clear that, after extensive consultation with specialists, he has been told he can continue his career.
“Importantly, there is no further health risk involved,” he said. “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.
“I have taken full responsibility for this decision. Overall, I feel very positive and am on the right track.”
His message underlined that he sees football not as a risk, but as part of his normality and his way forward.
“What helps me most on this journey is continuing to chase victories and titles with my team and with your amazing support.”
A public explanation, a private battle
Musiala’s decision to go public came with a clear request for boundaries.
“I hope this helps you understand the situation better,” he concluded. “At the same time, I ask for your understanding regarding my wish to keep this matter private, sharing it only with my closest circle, the club, and the medical experts.”
The statement draws a line: the diagnosis is out in the open, the treatment is in expert hands, and Musiala intends to focus on what comes next — fighting for trophies with Bayern Munich and Germany while managing a condition he now calls part of his everyday life.
