Lennart Karl impressed once again in FC Bayern’s Champions League game against Arsenal FC. The 17-year-old not only underlines his ambitions for a regular place, but also a nomination for the 2026 World Cup.
He was – once again – the ray of hope: with the Bayern lost 3-1 to Arsenal FC Lennart Karl shone once again. For the youngster, it was the second game in the Champions League in which he started – and the second in which he scored. At 17 years and 277 days, Karl is the youngest player to score a goal in his first two starting appearances in the Champions League.
“Lennart has this carefree attitude that is good for all of us,” said sports director Max Eberl after the game. But his goal was much more than just “carefree”. He placed the ball almost perfectly in the goal with a direct pass. At just 1.68 meters tall, the left-footed player is – at least partially – reminiscent of superstar Lionel Messi. “He is my role model,” said Karl, but also added: “I don’t think I can be compared with Messi.”
Video: 1:3 at Arsenal FC – FC Bayern conceded first Defeat of the season
Special praise from Kane
Even if the Messi comparison is flawed, Karl also receives a lot of praise from within his own ranks. “You can see his confidence, how good he is under pressure – he’s quick, agile, difficult to mark,” said Harry Kane before the game against Arsenal.
In the Champions League games against Chelsea and Paris Saint-German, Karl only sat on the bench. With the game against Arsenal, Karl showed that he is ready for the big games.
As a replacement for the suspended Luis Diaz, the Lower Franconian impressed once again. Coach Vincent Kompany could face a luxury problem in the future. Because if Jamal Musiala is ready to play again, Kompany will have to decide which of his offensive stars will be preferred.
Karl someone like Musiala?
The fact that Karl is already mentioned in the same breath as Musiala doesn’t make it any easier for national coach Julian Nagelsmann. The 17-year-old was called up for the U21 team for the first time in November and also shone there with three goals in two games. He underlines his ambitions for the 2026 World Cup week after week.
“I just have to show my performance and then see what Julian does. I just have to show my performance every game – and then it will work out somehow.”
On Saturday Bayern will play against FC St. Pauli (from 3:30 p.m. live in the radio report). The chances are good that Karl will provide the next bright spot there.
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Source: BR24Sport November 27, 2025 – 9:54 a.m
