Bayern Munich player Jamal Musiala disclosed that treatable absence seizures caused him to collapse on the pitch twice within four days [1].
The disclosure comes after significant concern regarding the health of the 23-year-old [1], who is a key asset for the German club. Because the condition involves a brief loss of consciousness, the episodes posed an immediate safety risk during active competition.
Musiala experienced the first collapse on Saturday, Aug. 15, during a friendly match against RB Leipzig in Leipzig, Germany [1, 2]. The second incident occurred on Tuesday, Aug. 18, during a match against Heidenheim in Heidenheim, Germany [1, 3]. According to reports, Musiala fell eight minutes [4] after entering the game as a substitute.
"I have been diagnosed with treatable absence seizures and that’s why I collapsed on the pitch," Musiala said [1].
Medical professionals describe absence seizures as a form of neurological dysfunction [1, 2]. These episodes are characterized by temporary abnormal brain activity that can lead to a sudden lapse in awareness.
Bayern Munich medical staff said the condition is a neurological dysfunction that is treatable, and the club is working with the medical team to manage it [2].
Musiala, who operates as a winger or midfielder, has not yet specified when he will return to full competition. The club's medical team continues to monitor his response to treatment to ensure he can safely return to the high-intensity environment of professional football.
“"I have been diagnosed with treatable absence seizures and that’s why I collapsed on the pitch,"”
The diagnosis of absence seizures introduces a complex management challenge for Bayern Munich. While the condition is described as treatable, the occurrence of two episodes in such a short window suggests a need for stabilization before Musiala can resume competitive play. This situation highlights the intersection of neurological health and professional athletics, where sudden losses of consciousness can lead to secondary physical injuries on the pitch.
