FC Bayern secured the domestic double but suffered a dramatic Champions League semifinal exit against Paris Saint-Germain. This article provides an individual assessment of each player’s performance throughout the season.
Following their 2019 double and the historic sextuple in 2020, FC Bayern experienced what could be considered a relatively quiet period compared to their own high standards and the club’s self-perception. While they consistently won the league championship, other major titles eluded them until the relatively barren year of 2024.
The record champions have now returned to the German capital after an absolutely dominant Bundesliga season, clinching both the league title and the DFB-Pokal in Berlin. Only their dramatic Champions League semifinal elimination and a single Bundesliga defeat against FC Augsburg in late January cast a shadow over what was otherwise a strong season for FCB, particularly shaped by two key protagonists. Conversely, one high earner proved to be the season’s disappointment.
Note: Players with less than 600 minutes of playing time are not assigned a grade.
FC Bayern Munich, Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer
How much drama can one season hold? For Manuel Neuer, apparently a lot! The Munich captain delivered absolute brilliant performances, such as in the Champions League group stage against PSG or in the first leg of the quarterfinals against Real Madrid. However, he also made significant errors, like in the second leg against Real. Overall, the positive impressions outweighed the negatives. In between, Neuer had to miss several games due to muscular problems (including the DFB-Pokal final), celebrated his 40th birthday, and after months of debate, extended his contract again – and also returned to the German national team for the World Cup after lengthy discussions. Grade: 2.5.
- Appearances: 37
- Minutes: 3210
- Goals Conceded: 40
- Clean Sheets: 11
FC Bayern Munich, Goalkeeper: Jonas Urbig
Due to Neuer’s recurring fitness issues, Urbig unexpectedly received significant playing time and proved himself with solid and occasionally outstanding performances (Eindhoven, Wolfsburg). The 22-year-old is now considered the designated first-choice goalkeeper. The only question is when his time will truly come. Grade: 2.5.
- Appearances: 20
- Minutes: 1650
- Goals Conceded: 21
- Clean Sheets: 7
FC Bayern Munich, Defense: Dayot Upamecano
Under the guidance of former defender Vincent Kompany, the 27-year-old Frenchman almost completely shed his tendency for errors and established himself among the world’s best center-backs. This also led to a lucrative contract extension until 2030. Grade: 2.
- Appearances: 42
- Minutes: 3341
- Goals: 2
- Assists: 3
FC Bayern Munich, Defense: Jonathan Tah
After a slight adjustment period, Tah quickly formed an excellent partnership with Upamecano. Tah often shone as a last-ditch rescuer; no Munich player made more clearances or blocked shots than him. The summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen proved to be an excellent acquisition. Grade: 2.
- Appearances: 49
- Minutes: 3769
- Goals: 3
- Assists: 2
FC Bayern Munich, Defense: Min-Jae Kim
Clearly the third choice in central defense. However, he was called upon as a rotation player, especially in the second half of the Bundesliga season, and was generally reliable. Nevertheless, the 29-year-old South Korean is considered a candidate for transfer. Grade: 3.5.
- Appearances: 37
- Minutes: 2051
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 1
FC Bayern Munich, Defense: Hiroki Ito
After recovering from a metatarsal fracture, he made his comeback in November but subsequently remained a peripheral player. In the spring, the 27-year-old Japanese player had to be sidelined for about a month due to a muscle tear. Grade: 4.
- Appearances: 23
- Minutes: 1049
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 2
FC Bayern Munich, Defense: Konrad Laimer
In his third season at FC Bayern, Laimer established himself as an important key player. The naturally a midfielder defended very solidly on both the left and right flanks, and also provided many attacking impulses. Alleged excessive demands from the 28-year-old Austrian in contract negotiations have recently caused friction. Grade: 2.
- Appearances: 47
- Minutes: 3297
- Goals: 3
- Assists: 13
FC Bayern Munich, Defense: Josip Stanisic
Laimer’s perfect counterpart on the other defensive flank. After a solid first half of the season, Stanisic truly blossomed in the spring. While the 26-year-old homegrown talent interpreted his role as a full-back slightly more defensively than Laimer, he still contributed a good number of scorer points. Negative outliers, such as in the first leg against PSG, were the exception. Grade: 2.
- Appearances: 43
- Minutes: 3153
- Goals: 3
- Assists: 7
FC Bayern Munich, Defense: Alphonso Davies
The 25-year-old left-back from Canada experienced a highly frustrating season. After a long injury layoff due to a cruciate ligament tear, Davies only returned in December but has since been sidelined several more times. He is currently out with a thigh muscle injury and will at least miss the start of the home World Cup. When Davies did play, he rarely impressed. This included his surprising start in the first leg against PSG, where he conceded a penalty. Grade: 4.5.
- Appearances: 23
- Minutes: 841
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 5
FC Bayern Munich, Defense: Sacha Boey
Due to a shortage of players in the defensive wide areas, Boey surprisingly received a lot of playing time early in the season. He played decently but didn’t make a strong case for himself. Around the turn of the year, he was out sick for weeks, then he returned to his former club Galatasaray in Istanbul on loan. His future is uncertain. Grade: 4.
- Appearances: 15
- Minutes: 630
- Goals: 0
- Assists: 1
FC Bayern Munich, Defense: Tom Bischof
The free transfer from TSG Hoffenheim was regularly deployed in an unfamiliar position on the left flank, showing many promising signs. In a way, Bischof (20) is following in the footsteps of Joshua Kimmich, and a similar career trajectory is conceivable for him. Grade: 3.
- Appearances: 38
- Minutes: 1655
- Goals: 3
- Assists: 3
FC Bayern Munich, Midfield: Joshua Kimmich
The undisputed tempo-setter in Kompany’s 4-2-3-1 system. Kimmich (31) structured Munich’s play from deep, posed a threat in the final third, and made more passes than anyone else. The only drawback: the 31-year-old lacked impact in both Champions League semifinal matches against PSG. Grade: 2.
- Appearances: 49
- Minutes: 4073
- Goals: 2
- Assists: 13
FC Bayern Munich, Midfield: Aleksandar Pavlovic
Undisputedly partnered Kimmich in key matches. The 22-year-old homegrown talent was not as spectacular as Kimmich overall, but his intelligent and precise passing made him an absolute asset. Grade: 2.5.
- Appearances: 44
- Minutes: 3086
- Goals: 4
- Assists: 2
FC Bayern Munich, Midfield: Leon Goretzka
After his sensational resurgence last season, Goretzka had an average year to conclude his time in Munich. As the clear third choice in defensive midfield, he received a lot of playing time in the already decided Bundesliga towards the end of the season, accumulating some scorer points. He was emotionally bid farewell by the fans in the last home game against Cologne. Grade: 3.5.
- Appearances: 48
- Minutes: 2349
- Goals: 5
- Assists: 5
FC Bayern Munich, Midfield: Raphael Guerreiro
Raphael Guerreiro had a typical Raphael Guerreiro season for his farewell. In less crucial games, the 32-year-old Portuguese player filled in at various positions and proved to be a reliable scorer. His contract expires after three years and will not be extended. Grade: 3.5.
- Appearances: 29
- Minutes: 1207
- Goals: 6
- Assists: 3
FC Bayern Munich, Attack: Serge Gnabry
Due to a lack of alternatives, the 30-year-old was given a starting spot behind striker Kane last summer – and seized this opportunity in impressive fashion. The reward was a new contract until 2030. However, Gnabry suffered an adductor injury just before the crucial phase of the season and will also miss the World Cup. Grade: 2.5.
- Appearances: 37
- Minutes: 2041
- Goals: 10
- Assists: 11
FC Bayern Munich, Attack: Jamal Musiala
He experienced an overall sobering season. The 23-year-old creative spark only slowly got into his stride in January after recovering from a fibula fracture. At the end of March, he had to miss more time due to a health setback. But then his big moment seemed to have arrived: Musiala suddenly blossomed and moved into the starting lineup due to Gnabry’s injury. However, he put in three lackluster performances in the two Champions League semifinals against PSG and in the DFB-Pokal final, thus missing his great chance for a conciliatory end to the season. Grade: 4.
- Appearances: 24
- Minutes: 1174
- Goals: 5
- Assists: 6
FC Bayern Munich, Attack: Michael Olise
Justifiably voted Bundesliga Player of the Season and soon a candidate for the Ballon d’Or. The 24-year-old Frenchman played spectaculary and effectively throughout the entire season. Grade: 1.
- Appearances: 52
- Minutes: 4015
- Goals: 22
- Assists: 31
FC Bayern Munich, Attack: Luis Diaz
With his dynamism, determination, and fighting spirit, the €70 million signing from FC Liverpool proved to be an absolute asset on the left wing. Initially, only his finishing caused minor concern, but the 29-year-old Colombian improved in this regard over the course of the season. Grade: 1.5.
- Appearances: 51
- Minutes: 4060
- Goals: 26
- Assists: 23
FC Bayern Munich, Attack: Lennart Karl
Both a breakout star and a controversial figure of the season. At 17 years old, Karl stormed through the Champions League, collecting Man-of-the-Match awards in the autumn. In the winter break, the dribbler dreamed of Real Madrid, and in March, he made his debut for the German national team. During his recent injury break, Karl walked across the Allianz Arena pitch in a pink full-body costume. After recovering, he made a strong sporting comeback and made it into the World Cup squad. Karl is likely to cause a stir, both on and off the pitch. Grade: 2.5.
- Appearances: 40
- Minutes: 1984
- Goals: 9
- Assists: 8
FC Bayern Munich, Attack: Harry Kane
Bundesliga top scorer, clear winner of the Golden Shoe for Europe’s best goalscorer, match-winner in the DFB-Pokal final – and at times also a playmaker and defensive midfielder. The 32-year-old Englishman played the best season of his career, but he must continue to wait for the ultimate crowning achievement. Grade: 1.
- Appearances: 51
- Minutes: 4050
- Goals: 61
- Assists: 7
FC Bayern Munich, Attack: Nicolas Jackson
Although he scored a goal every 120 minutes, most of them were relatively unimportant in the overall picture. For the immense cost of his loan from FC Chelsea, estimated at around 25 million Euros (fee and salary), it was not enough. As expected, Munich will not make the 24-year-old Senegalese’s move permanent. Grade: 4.
- Appearances: 34
- Minutes: 1320
- Goals: 11
- Assists: 4
FC Bayern Munich: Unrated Players
In addition to Karl, coach Vincent Kompany also gave professional debuts to several other homegrown talents: Cassiano Kiala (17), Erblin Osmani (16), Jonah Kusi-Asare (18), Felipe Chavez (19), Filip Pavic (16), David Santos Daiber (19), Maycon Cardozo (17), Wisdom Mike (17), Deniz Ofli (19), and Bara Sapoko Ndiaye (18). Additionally, the experienced third goalkeeper Sven Ulreich (37) was called upon once.