Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae is facing a worrying accumulation of minutes that has prompted concern not just within the club but across global football.
FIFPro sounds the alarm on player overload
The South Korean centre-back, signed from Napoli in July 2023 for a reported €58 million, has played an astonishing number of games this season—approaching 55 appearances for club and country—and is projected to cross the 70-match mark by the season’s end.
FIFPro, the global players’ union, highlighted Kim’s situation to draw attention to unsustainable player workloads. Kim has been carrying Achilles tendonitis since early in the season, an overuse injury that’s often triggered by excessive physical strain.
Yet despite the condition, he’s been forced to remain a constant in Bayern’s backline amid a defensive injury crisis that’s sidelined key players like Alphonso Davies, Dayot Upamecano, and Hiroki Ito. (Transfermarkt)
Relentless schedule and physical strain
Between January and March alone, Kim played 20 matches back-to-back, with an average of only 3.7 days’ rest between games. Adding to the strain, he has made 20 international trips this season, covering over 74,000 kilometres while balancing World Cup qualifiers for South Korea.
Despite some criticism for isolated mistakes—particularly in the DFB-Pokal and early in the 2024–25 Bundesliga—Kim remains a pillar in Bayern’s defence. He has delivered standout performances, including his first UEFA Champions League goal and a Player of the Match display against PSG. Under Vincent Kompany’s guidance, he has shown improved form, recording a run of seven consecutive clean sheets last year.
Still, the relentless match calendar offers little respite. With World Cup qualifiers and the FIFA Club World Cup on the horizon, Kim faces the prospect of entering next season without a proper off-season break.
The 28-year-old’s situation is a stark reminder of the toll modern football takes on its players, especially those carrying both club and national responsibilities.
