Neuer Blames Donnarumma’s Aggressive Challenge for Musiala Injury: “He Took a Risk He Didn’t Need To”
Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer didn’t hold back when asked about the horrific injury suffered by teammate Jamal Musiala during Saturday’s FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal clash against Paris Saint-Germain. In a tense post-match reflection, Neuer questioned the decision-making of PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, whose challenge directly preceded the incident.
Musiala’s injury occurred in the dying seconds of the first half. The 21-year-old midfielder chased a ball into the box, only to be met by Donnarumma charging out in an aggressive “smother” attempt. The collision left Musiala’s ankle twisted gruesomely in the turf a moment that shocked players and fans alike, and forced the young German off on a stretcher.
Speaking after Bayern’s 2-0 defeat, Neuer expressed concern not only for Musiala’s condition but also over Donnarumma’s judgment in that moment.
“Brutally difficult,” Neuer said. “In a situation like that, of course there’s always a bit of risk. But I don’t think he needed to come out like that. It was dangerous. He took a risk not just for himself, but for others. And this time, it didn’t end well.”
Neuer also shared that he personally approached Donnarumma at halftime, encouraging him to check on Musiala as a gesture of respect.
“I said, ‘Don’t you want to go and see our player?’ He was badly injured. I think it’s only fair. And in the end, he did go over, which I appreciated,” Neuer added.
Eyewitnesses described Donnarumma as visibly shaken by the injury the Italian keeper broke down in tears on the pitch after realizing the severity of what had happened. Despite the emotional response, fans inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium cast him as the villain, booing him throughout the second half.
Musiala was taken to a hospital in Atlanta for immediate tests and treatment. Though Bayern have not yet confirmed the full extent of the injury, initial reports point to a broken foot and a lengthy recovery period ahead.
Bayern sporting director Max Eberl later called the incident a “football-related accident” and refused to blame environmental conditions like heat or fatigue for the defeat.
“It was something that happened in the course of the game. Unfortunately, these things can occur,” Eberl said.
While the focus remained largely on the tragedy of Musiala’s injury, PSG’s 2-0 victory secured their place in the Club World Cup semi-finals though the win was largely overshadowed by the somber mood following the match.
