Bayern Munich forward Jamal Musiala has disclosed that he suffers from treatable absence seizures following two on-field collapses [1].
The revelation comes as the club and the player address concerns over Musiala's health after multiple medical episodes during a short window of competition. The diagnosis provides a neurological explanation for the incidents, shifting the conversation from acute injury to a manageable health condition.
The collapses occurred within a four-day period this month [1]. The most recent episode took place during a friendly match in Germany on Aug. 16, 2026 [2]. According to a Bayern Munich medical spokesperson, Musiala suffered a fainting episode eight minutes after entering the game as a substitute [3].
Musiala shared the update via Instagram, stating that he is dealing with treatable seizures and will continue his recovery [4]. The player provided further detail in a statement to The Guardian regarding the nature of the episodes.
"I have been diagnosed with treatable absence seizures, which caused the two collapses," Musiala said [1].
Absence seizures are a form of neurological dysfunction that can cause a person to momentarily lose awareness of their surroundings. While these episodes can appear as fainting or staring spells, they are distinct from other types of seizures or cardiac events.
Musiala is now working with medical professionals to manage the condition. The club has not yet specified when the player will return to full competitive action, though the treatable nature of the seizures suggests a path back to the pitch. The timing of the episodes, occurring twice in less than a week, prompted the urgent medical investigation that led to the diagnosis [1].
“"I have been diagnosed with treatable absence seizures, which caused the two collapses."”
The diagnosis of absence seizures marks a critical turning point for Musiala's immediate career. Because these episodes are treatable, the focus shifts to pharmacological or therapeutic management to ensure player safety during high-intensity athletic activity. This disclosure also highlights the importance of neurological screening in professional sports when athletes experience unexplained loss of consciousness.
