Speculation about a comeback
Ex-Bayern star back to Munich? Sports director reacts
11/22/2025 – 8:04 a.mReading time: 2 minutes
He had extremely successful years with the German record champions. Will David Alaba now make a comeback?
He won ten German championships with FC Bayern, the DFB Cup six times, the Champions League twice, became a global star in Munich, and was a crowd favorite in the Bavarian capital until his departure in 2021. In the Bundesliga he wore the German record champions’ jersey a total of 281 times.
Is David Alaba about to return to FC Bayern? Sports director Christoph Freund has now commented on the speculation – and has remained vague about a direct answer to the Austrian’s possible comeback in Munich. “There are no plans yet,” replied Freund on Sky when asked whether Alaba could return as a player or in another role. But he also went on to explain: “He has had a huge impact on FC Bayern during his time, is a great guy and intelligent boy who will continue to have a good path after his football career.”
The 33-year-old moved to Bayern in 2008 and played for the club until 2021 after a six-month break – Alaba was on loan to TSG Hoffenheim for the second half of the 2010/11 season. He then joined Real Madrid, and Alaba went to the Spanish record champions on a free transfer. His contract with the “Royals” runs until 2026.
In recent years, the defender has repeatedly been set back by injuries – including a torn cruciate ligament that put him out of action from the end of 2023 to the beginning of 2025. He was recently absent due to a calf injury.
Freund was convinced: Alaba wanted to “play football for some time and compete in the World Cup with Austria.” However, Freund left it open whether Alaba will wear the Bayern jersey again at some point.