Jamal Musiala diagnosed with neurological disorder causing absence seizures
Synopsis
Jamal Musiala has put a name to the alarming on-pitch collapses that shook Bayern Munich's pre-season: a neurological disorder causing short, temporary absence seizures. The 22-year-old says specialists have cleared him of any additional health risk and that continuing to play football is, by his own choice, central to his recovery.
Key Takeaways
Jamal Musiala disclosed a diagnosis of a neurological disorder causing short, temporary absence seizures via Instagram on 19 August .
He collapsed twice in four days — during friendlies against Leipzig and in the match against Heidenheim .
Neurological specialists have confirmed there is no additional health risk beyond the seizures, and the condition is described as treatable .
Musiala has made 231 appearances for Bayern Munich and played for Germany at the 2026 FIFA World Cup .
Bayern face Borussia Dortmund in the German Super Cup next Saturday, then open the Bundesliga season against Stuttgart on 28 August .
Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala has revealed he has been diagnosed with a treatable neurological condition that causes short, temporary absence seizures — a disclosure that came after the 22-year-old collapsed twice in four days during pre-season matches.
What Happened on the Pitch
Musiala first raised alarm during a friendly against Leipzig on Saturday, when he went down suddenly with no apparent physical contact. He collapsed again during Bayern's 3-1 friendly victory over RB Leipzig on Sunday, leaving the pitch shortly after entering as a substitute, accompanied by medical staff. A subsequent incident was also reported in the match against Heidenheim.
Musiala Speaks Out
Hours after the Sunday incident, Musiala addressed his supporters directly via Instagram, choosing transparency over silence. 'First of all, I am fine,' he wrote. 'And I am especially grateful for all your messages and support. I understand that many of you feel worried. Today I would like to reassure you and explain the situation a little.'
He confirmed the medical diagnosis in clear terms: 'My condition has been diagnosed as short and temporary absence seizures, but they are easily treatable and are caused by a neurological disorder. This condition can lead to the incidents that occurred recently, such as what happened against Leipzig and now in Heidenheim.'
Musiala also sought to contextualise the condition for those alarmed by the on-pitch scenes: 'I know it may seem frightening at first glance, but for me it has now become part of my daily life. I am receiving the best possible medical treatment, and I am very optimistic.'
No Additional Health Risk, Club Fully Supportive
The Germany international stressed that specialists have cleared him and that the condition poses no health risk beyond the seizures themselves. 'The important thing is that there is no health risk beyond that,' he said, adding that, in coordination with neurological experts, it has been his personal wish to continue living normally and playing football as part of his recovery. 'I've taken responsibility for this. Overall I feel pretty good and I'm on a good track,' he wrote.
Bayern Munich has reportedly been in close communication with the specialists overseeing his care, and the club's medical team has been involved throughout.
Musiala's Recent History and Road Ahead
Musiala, who has made 231 appearances for Bayern Munich, missed six months last season after fracturing an ankle at the Club Cup. He recovered to return later in the campaign and represented Germany at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His resilience in the face of successive setbacks has become a defining thread of his career at club level.
Bayern are scheduled to face Borussia Dortmund in the German Super Cup next Saturday, before opening their Bundesliga campaign at home to Stuttgart on Friday, 28 August. Whether Musiala will feature in either fixture has not been confirmed, though his statement suggests he intends to continue playing.
Point of View
Raising questions about how long the condition went undetected or undisclosed during competitive play. Absence seizures in elite athletes are rare but not unprecedented, and the fact that neurological specialists have released him to continue playing is the critical reassurance here. Bayern's fixture calendar — a Super Cup derby followed immediately by a Bundesliga opener — will test both the medical management plan and the club's nerve in managing public anxiety around their most marketable player.
NationPress
19 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What neurological condition has Jamal Musiala been diagnosed with?
Musiala has been diagnosed with a neurological disorder that causes short, temporary absence seizures. He confirmed the diagnosis in an Instagram post on 19 August, stating the condition is treatable and that he is receiving specialist medical care.
Why did Musiala collapse during Bayern Munich's pre-season matches?
The collapses during friendlies against Leipzig and in the Heidenheim match were caused by absence seizures linked to his neurological condition. There was no physical contact involved in either incident.
Is Jamal Musiala's condition dangerous?
According to Musiala and his medical team, there is no health risk beyond the seizures themselves. Neurological specialists have cleared him to continue playing football as part of his normal daily life and recovery.
Will Musiala play in the German Super Cup against Borussia Dortmund?
Musiala has not confirmed whether he will feature in the German Super Cup against Borussia Dortmund next Saturday. His statement indicates he intends to keep playing, but no official team selection has been announced.
What is Jamal Musiala's injury history at Bayern Munich?
Musiala missed six months last season after fracturing an ankle at the Club Cup, but returned to complete the campaign and played for Germany at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has made 231 appearances for Bayern Munich in total.
