Red Bull Leipzig ban Johan Bakayoko for sporting reasons

In the stands of Red Bull Leipzig, no name appears on the bench this weekend, not even that of Johan Bakayoko, the 23‑year‑old Belgian winger. The absence is not due to a minor injury, as a few weeks earlier, but to a purely sporting decision taken by the new coach Martin Demichelis.

A transfer that ends in failure

Arriving in the summer of 2025 from PSV Eindhoven for €18 million, Bakayoko was experiencing a difficult season. He has played only three matches in all competitions, including his debut against Borussia Mönchengladbach, before suffering a disappointing start against Werder Bremen, which was lost 3‑1.

Since that setback, the player has not appeared in Martin Demichelis's squad, who took over at RB Leipzig this summer. Before the break, his absence was explained by a minor injury; today, the club states that it is a purely sporting choice.

The reasons cited by the club

According to Sky Germany, the Belgian was not even able to take a place on the bench during the home game against Eintracht Frankfurt, a match that Red Bull Leipzig won 6‑0. The statement notes that the decision is based on sporting considerations and not on muscular problems.

The previous season, Bakayoko had totaled 22 matches in all competitions, scoring three goals, a output deemed insufficient to justify a regular place in the squad.

Under contract with RB Leipzig until 2030, the player, presented two seasons ago as one of the greatest Belgian talents, will have to regroup or look for playing time this winter.

Already ignored by sporting director Rudi Garcia, Johan Bakayoko seems far from adding further caps to his 18 appearances already accumulated with the Red Devils.