Lennart Karl rises to elite with Champions League goal against Atletico
Lennart Karl scored his fifth Champions League goal after his 1‑0 strike against the Rojiblancos of Atletico Madrid, becoming, at 18 years and 254 days, the fourth‑youngest player to achieve this feat.
Only Barcelona striker Lamine Yamal (17 years, 291 days), Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe (18 years, 120 days) and the Blancos legend Raul (18 years, 162 days) were younger than the FC Bayern attacker when they scored their fifth Champions League goal.
This season it was Karl's first goal in the competition; his other four strikes, including a historic one, came in the previous season. Overall, the 18‑year‑old is expected to finish the 2026/27 campaign with two goals and two assists after 13 league matches.
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Celebratory gesture sparks controversy
After the goal Karl made a “Bla‑Bla” gesture by holding both hands to his ears, which attracted considerable media attention. The gesture may have been aimed at critics, including Bayern honorary president and club patron Uli Hoeneß, who had sparked the recent public debates about the 18‑year‑old. In an interview with Die Welt on Sunday, Hoeneß told Karl: “I have decided to have a serious conversation with him.”
He added that Karl is “far from being a superstar, young players need humility” and that comparisons with Olise would not do him any good; moreover, young players need pressure, and he did not know whether it was good for Karl to be constantly embraced. Team‑mate Manuel Neuer backed Karl after the win over Atletico and said on a microphone that there was no reason to open a big barrel: “Lenny is a very important part of the squad, we are happy for him and always wish him the best game and great performances.” Neuer concluded by saying that there is “nothing to discuss and nothing to bring up.”
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