Hoeness demands change for Bayern talent Karl after stagnation

Uli Hoeness, honorary chairman of Bayern Munich, voiced sharp criticism on Sunday, am Sonntag, in Die Welt of the young winger Lennart Karl, who missed the World Cup after a thigh injury and has hardly played since. Hoeness said that Karl needs to pull himself together because his development is stagnating.

Hoeness announced that he will have a serious talk with Karl. “He thinks he is already a superstar, but that is not the case. Young players need humility,” declared the honorary chairman.

He added that young players also need pressure. “I don’t know if it is good for Lennart Karl that he is constantly being over‑protected,” Hoeness sighed.

Bayern chairman Uli Hoeness demands humility from Lennart Karl

Stagnating development and limited playing time

Last season the 17‑year‑old winger produced nine goals and eight assists. Since the missed World Cup he has, however, only played nine matches, 267 minutes on the pitch and one meagre goal.

The thigh injury forced Karl to let the World Cup pass him by, after which his activation rate has dropped sharply. Hoeness does not accept this situation lightly and is urging more effort. According to, concern within Bayern is growing over Karl's focus. The club fears that he is putting too much energy into his social‑media channels and public appearances with his influencer girlfriend.

Uli Hoeness reminds Lennart Karl that he is not yet a superstar

Nevertheless, Karl remains a historic talent: last season, at seventeen years of age, he became the youngest Champions League scorer in Bayern Munich’s history. That achievement underscored his potential before the injury interrupted his career.