Jamal Musiala has disclosed that he is being treated for a neurological dysfunction that has resulted in short, easily treatable absence seizures after collapsing twice in friendly matches within four days, according to reporting by the BBC.
What happened
The 23-year-old Bayern Munich midfielder collapsed during two separate pre-season friendlies. He first fainted during the club’s 3-1 victory over RB Leipzig in Munich on Saturday and again on Tuesday, six minutes after coming off the bench in a 4-2 friendly win at Heidenheim. In the second incident he appeared dazed on the pitch and received medical attention before leaving the field.
Diagnosis and immediate response
Musiala posted a statement on Instagram explaining the cause of the episodes. He said medical assessment had identified the events as temporary, brief absence seizures related to a neurological dysfunction. He also said he was receiving “excellent medical treatment” and was optimistic about his recovery, adding that FC Bayern and his family were supporting him.
“I’ve been diagnosed with temporary, brief, but easily treatable absence seizures, which are due to a neurological dysfunction… I’m receiving excellent medical treatment and am very optimistic.”
Bayern sporting director Max Eberl confirmed the club was aware of the situation and that Musiala would address it personally, saying the player was in the dressing room after the match.
Context: Musiala’s recent fitness history
Musiala missed the first six months of the 2025–26 season after breaking his ankle at the 2025 Club World Cup, but he returned to play in the second half of the campaign and featured for Germany at the 2026 World Cup, starting three of the national team’s four matches. The recent collapses are therefore a new clinical development distinct from his earlier ankle injury.
What is an absence seizure?
- An absence seizure is a brief episode of impaired awareness, often lasting only a few seconds to a minute.
- They may present as staring spells, brief lack of response or subtle motor signs; longer or repeated seizures require medical assessment and management.
- Treatment typically involves neurology assessment and may include medication, monitoring and advice on when it is safe to return to sport.
Musiala’s description of “temporary, brief, but easily treatable” absence seizures aligns with common clinical presentations, but the exact treatment plan, need for further investigations (such as EEG or neuroimaging) and implications for competitive play were not specified in the publicly released statement.
Known facts and unanswered questions
| Known | Unknown |
|---|---|
| Musiala collapsed in two friendlies (Saturday and Tuesday). | Specific diagnostic tests performed (EEG, MRI) have not been disclosed. |
| He has been diagnosed with brief absence seizures and is under medical care. | Detailed treatment plan, medication or timeline for return to training and matches. |
| Bayern and family are supporting him; the club confirmed awareness. | Any longer-term prognosis or whether seizures are provoked by identifiable triggers. |
The information released so far is limited to Musiala’s statement and the club’s brief comments. For patients and families, a clear stepwise approach is standard: clinical assessment by a neurologist, appropriate testing to classify seizure type, then a tailored management plan.
Implications for players and supporters
High-profile disclosures such as Musiala’s can reduce stigma and encourage timely medical assessment for transient loss of consciousness or altered awareness. However, clinical presentation and management vary between individuals; decisions about return to full-contact training or competitive fixtures depend on specialist advice and local sporting governing-body protocols.
Those experiencing similar episodes should consult a doctor or neurologist rather than self-diagnosing. Prompt assessment can identify treatable causes and guide safe participation in sport and daily activities.
We will report further details if and when Bayern or Musiala release more clinical information or outline his treatment and return-to-play plan.
