Bayern Munich extended their winning start to the 2025/26 season with a 4-0 win over Club Brugge in the Champions League at Allianz Arena.
The Bavarians were once again ruthless in attack and they opened the account on the night courtesy of a goal from Lennart Karl, who became Bayern's youngest goalscorer at 17 years and 242 days overtaking Jamal Musiala's record
The 17-year-old winger who started the game against Brugge only took five minutes to get on the scoresheet. It all started when Jonathan Tah found Karl in midfield and he evaded two defenders with his exceptional footwork before his thumping left-footed effort nestled into the net.
Karl's footwork, technique, composure and overall self-belief to succeed at the top level has drawn wild comparisons with former Bayern star Franck Ribery.
Later, Harry Kane, Luis Diaz and Nicolas Jackson also joined the teenager in the scoresheet as Bayern Munich are now unbeaten in 12 straight games across competitions.
Bayern manager Vincent Kompany has urged Karl to express himself and make mistakes, providing him with all the freedom needed to succeed at the top level.
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"As a young player, you don't have pressure. I want Lennart to feel that too. He has to enjoy what he's doing. If he makes mistakes, we'll discuss it. Hopefully, at some point, the pressure will be on his shoulders. But for now, he should enjoy the moment without any pressure," Kompany told the reporters when asked about Karl.
The youngster established him at Bayern Munich's academy before flourishing for the age group level teams. He made his senior team debut at the Club World Cup last season before cementing his place in the squad this season.
Kompany sees Karl as a crucial member of the squad mainly due to his maturity and technical ability to play in multiple positions.
What did Kompany say about Karl's chances of featuring in the 2026 World Cup?
Karl has had a breakthrough season for Bayern Munich, but he is still learning with every opportunity as he is in a team with some exceptional attacking talents.
Although he is extremely talented, a place in the Germany senior team for the World Cup may be a little too early for the teenager.
At just 17 years and 242 days, Lennart Karl becomes Bayern Munich's youngest ever goalscorer in the UCL, as well as the youngest German ever to score in the competition 🤯
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 23, 2025
What a talent 🤩 pic.twitter.com/JljdySQfTD
When asked about Karl's chances of featuring in next year's World Cup, Kompany replied, "I have respect for Julian Nagelsmann. My focus as Bayern coach is for Lennart Karl to be a success for Bayern Munich. He has to keep working and show that he has the qualities. Playing for Bayern can always be an advantage. But the focus has to be here; you can't think too far ahead."
As per recent reports via BILD's Christian Falk, Bayern Munich are in no mood to let go of Karl for the U17 World Cup scheduled to start from November 3, 2025.
The Bavarians see him as a crucial member of the senior team, and they don't want him to lose him for that period. Meanwhile, the Bundesliga champions are open to allowing Wisdom Mike to join the team on November 2 after the Bayer Leverkusen clash.
Bayern Munich fans, management and Kompany himself will hope that Karl continues to show progress on all his aspects with every opportunity that comes his way.
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