“It’s always about playing with the freedom to express yourself.” – Jamal Musiala
Sitting in a studio in Munich, Germany, Jamal Musiala is getting a pre-shoot shape-up in the chair next to me. The atmosphere feels familiar – reminiscent of many Black barber shops in London. In this instance, though, the football talk is with one of the brightest young talents in world football, Jamal Musiala.
Achievements Beyond His Years
With over 100 games played and over 30 goals scored for Bayern Munich, a World Cup appearance, more than 25 international caps, and a last-minute, title-winning goal – all achieved before turning 21 – Musiala’s accomplishments far exceed his age. But what truly sets him apart is his unique freedom on the pitch, known by fans as the ‘Musiala Magic.’
Learning Expression Through Football
“That’s where you figure out what works for you and what doesn’t.”
Reflecting on his time in England’s national youth camps, Musiala describes how he learned to play with the freedom to express himself. “It’s always about playing with the freedom to express yourself at England camp,” he recalls. This period laid the foundation for his “Musiala Magic” style.
Footballing Idols and the Joga Bonito Era
Musiala’s footballing idols mirror those of many who grew up with late ’90s and early 2000s football legends. “When I was young, it was Ronaldinho, then Messi and Neymar,” he says. He fondly recalls Nike’s iconic Joga Bonito ads and the legendary Ronaldinho crossbar video that sparked debates in playgrounds across the world.
“I’ve probably seen every Ronaldinho video.”
The Importance of Family Support
Some of Musiala’s family had joined him on the shoot, a reminder of their ever-present support. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without them,” he says. This grounding family influence has helped keep him humble and focused amid the highs of his career. From training with his dad to reflecting with his mom and dad after each game, family is central to Musiala’s life and success.
Chelsea’s Academy and the Foundations of His Game
“We always pushed each other to do the most – and had a lot of fun too.”
Before becoming a Bayern star, Musiala spent eight years at Chelsea’s academy, where he represented England at every youth level up to U21. In this time, he trained alongside other young talents, including Jude Bellingham and friends like Tino Livramento and Levi Colwill. The intense competition in the academy shaped Musiala’s mentality and built a lifelong network of support among other elite players.
Reaching the World Stage
Musiala points to the 2022 World Cup as a moment of realization for him. “The World Cup is where you have to be at your best,” he reflects. Competing on such a global platform validated his confidence and cemented his status as one of football’s rising stars. His next target? Leading Germany to success on home soil in the upcoming European Championships.
Style On and Off the Pitch
“I think mine’s probably more of the chilled, clean kind of looks.”
Musiala’s calm demeanor off the pitch is balanced by expressive style on it. Known for his fashion sense, he admits his style has improved since moving to Germany. His inspirations? NBA stars like Devin Booker, who blend style with confidence, which Musiala finds impressive. This penchant for creativity extends to his goal celebrations, where he enjoys showcasing a more playful side of his personality.
The Musiala Foundation: Giving Back to the Community
Despite his young age, Musiala has already launched The Musiala Foundation to create opportunities for young people in sports and life. “For me, it’s about providing opportunities for them to showcase their talents,” he explains. The foundation hosts tournaments that emphasize not just sports skills but also values that benefit participants beyond football.
“These are the values I grew up with, and I want to give back.”
Looking to the Future: What’s Next for Musiala?
As Germany prepares to host the next European Championships, Musiala is ready to lead the charge. Reflecting on his journey, he shares advice he would give his younger self: “Keep doing what you’re doing, but don’t forget to keep having fun.”
