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Bayern Munich have made the Bundesliga their own backyard for quite some time now. The same has made the Bavarians a force to be reckoned with, not just in Germany but across Europe. The club has registered success in German top-tier football and also in the UEFA Champions League.
Apart from luring talented individuals from the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich have always been home to a talent-rich squad. From long-term serving members to season-long players, many have come and gone at this legendary club.
In this article, let's take a deep dive into the past and look at some of the youngest players to have featured for Bayern Munich.
Ranking the 5 youngest debutants in Bayern Munich's history.
Source: Bundesliga.com
#5 Toni Kroos — 17 years, 265 days
The surprising entry of Xabi Alonso from Real Madrid right after securing La Decima saw Toni Kroos move the other way. The German international was an asset to the team and he only got better after switching sides.
Having won the UEFA Champions League with Bayern Munich in 2013, Toni Kroos went on to win three more European titles between 2016-2018. He made his debut for Bayern Munich in 2007.
He came off the bench with just 18 minutes left to play. Eighteen minutes was all that Kroos needed to announce himself to the world. The German sniper managed two assists and thus cemented his position in the squad.
Kroos is now the backbone of Real Madrid's experienced midfield and he barely sets a foot wrong.
#4 David Alaba — 17 years, 255 days
David Alaba was the answer to Real Madrid's problems at the heart of the defense after Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane left the club last summer.
The shocking and sudden departure of Sergio Ramos meant Los Blancos had a huge void to fill. David Alaba's joining as a free agent bolstered their defense and added an experienced player to the back four.
David Alaba marked his Bayern Munich debut in 2010 under the guidance of Louis van Gaal. His debut came at a competitive stage where Bayern Munich were facing Fiorentina in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash.
The Austrian defender owned the stage and sent a message to the management. After completing his loan stint away from Allianz Arena, David Alaba returned and remained with the club for more than a decade. He is now a crucial member within the legions of Real Madrid.
#3 Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg — 17 years, 251 days
Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg marked his debut the same year Bayern swept their treble. The Danish midfielder joined Bayern Munich during the starting stages of the 2012-13 season. However, due to the immense squad depth, he had to wait another nine months before making his debut.
Manager Jupp Heynckes used Höjbjerg as a late-minute substitute in most of the matches. The midfielder featured in just 15 games across two seasons and eventually switched to Augsburg and then Schalke for more playing time.
Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg later joined EPL side Southampton and is now a crucial member of Antonio Conte's Tottenham Hotspur. After leaving the Allianz Arena, Höjbjerg later revealed that he might have been a little impatient while at the club. He added that maybe he should have waited for another season or two before giving up on his Munich career.
#2 Jamal Musiala — 17 years, 115 days
Jamal Musiala is the answer to the German juggernaut's questions regarding the future of their attacking unit. Though the club is stacked with skilled forwards like Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller, there is no doubt that they will be needing someone to pass the mantle on to.
Musiala joined the Bavarians from Chelsea and his consistent display of brilliance on the training ground had put him under Hansi Flick's (former Munich boss) radar. He was immediately promoted and placed alongside Robert Lewandowski. Musiala first appeared for the German champs in 2020.
The Stuttgart-born forward already has 65 games under his belt and he has just begun his career. He is being mentored by none other than Muller and Lewandowski.
#1 Paul Wanner — 16 years and 15 days
Bayern Munich head coach Julian Nagelsmann has brought a fresh perspective to the team. He is a massive supporter of promoting and guiding youth prospects within the team.
One such measure saw Bayern's U17 starlet Paul Wenner being brought in to join the senior team's practice session. A couple of days ago, Wanner was in Spain attending training with the club's youth setup. Julian Nagelsmann has high hopes from Wanner.
Despite earning huge praise from the manager and being the club's youngest ever debutant, Paul Wanner has a long way to go in order to cement his place in the team.
Wanner, alongside his young teammates Jamal Musiala and Chris Richards, are doing their best to prepare themselves to lead Munich over the course of the next decade.
