Bayern Munich has made its best start to the season. The Bavarian giants have won all 13 games in all competitions so far.

Not only that, Bayern youngster Lennart Karl also got off to a brilliant start in his career at Bayern, which caused quite a stir in German football.

Who is Bayern youngster Lennart Karl?

Bayern young player Lennart Karl was born on February 22, 2008 in the town of Flammersbach. In 2022, at the age of 14, he came to Bayern’s youth academy from the youth team of amateur team SV Viktoria Aschaffenburg. He joined the Bavaria first-team squad ahead of this season for the Club World Cup in the summer.

He made his debut for the Bavarians in a 10-0 victory over New Zealand amateur team Auckland City.

An eye-catching start for Bayern’s first team

Carr remained with Bayern Munich’s first team after the U.S. break, largely due to the team’s lack of depth, particularly in attacking positions.

However, the 17-year-old right-winger has made the best of the situation so far, making 10 appearances in the team’s 13 games so far this season.

In the third round of the Champions League against Belgian side Club Brugge, he gave Bayern Munich the lead five minutes into the game and became Bayern Munich’s youngest Champions League goalscorer.

In a recent Bundesliga match, just days after starting and scoring on his Champions League debut, Bayern youngster Lennart Karl once again made the headlines with his first goal in the domestic league.

This time, shortly after being substituted, the team defeated Monchengladbach 3-0.

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“Karlmania” and the dangers of hype

The German media has been full of praise for Bayern youngster Lennart Karl, including calling for him to be included in the Germany squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup (Julian Nagelsmann’s side still need to qualify).

Therefore, reality must be faced. Firstly, the youngster is already 17 years old and is still far away from earning a regular starting spot in Bayern’s first team, as Olise remains head coach Vincent Kompany’s preferred starting option on the right wing.

In addition, Karl has only scored 2 goals and 1 assist in Bayern’s first team so far. Yes, those goals are stunning and came in the last two back-to-back games, but that doesn’t make him the savior of German football, at least not yet.

Carr needs to grow, both as a person and as a player. So much hype so early in his career would only have a detrimental effect on the process.

Once he has a bad game or two, which is inevitable at this age, the media who have lauded him to the sky will lash out at him mercilessly.

final thoughts

That’s not to say that the current development of Bayern youngster Lennart Karl isn’t spectacular. Apparently there is. However, the hype went too far.

Kompany and club officials have reacted calmly and cautiously to his rise. It’s the only sensible thing to do for such a young player.

main photo

Credit: IMAGO / Sven Simon

Record date: October 27, 2025