Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala cannot wait to face Real Madrid and Jude Bellingham

It would be a challenge to find a Bayern Munich supporter or a football fan in the world who hasn’t taken part in the ever-present debate of who is the best player in the world of football. For more than a decade, that discussion had only two viable alternatives: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Dominating the Ballon d’Or awards year in and out, there was a feeling there would never be a similar era ever again.

Well, with both of them moving outside of the European football scene, the tableau of the footballing world could not be any more vivid. So many youngsters have taken the sport by storm, and in the midst of it, there is a prologue that could suit most of the blockbuster hero movies: that of the German-born Jamal Musiala and Englishman Jude Bellingham.

Having spent most of his adolescence in England playing for the youth teams of the English national team, Jamal Musiala was playing alongside no one other than Jude Bellingham. Since then, both Musiala and Bellingham have made tremendous strides forward in their development, turning into lock starters for their club and country and becoming two of the most talented midfielders in the world with the potential to shape a new era.

As destiny would have it, their next encounter is set to be in the biggest of stages, the Champions League semifinals against Real Madrid.

“I’m really looking forward to the game against Real Madrid and to the legendary Bernabéu. Two of the best teams in Europe will face each other; these are big games.” commented Musiala (as reported on @MiaSanMia) “Jude and I were roommates for many years with the Young Lions, played a few games together — and we’ve been good friends ever since. I’m happy that things are going so well for him. He’s very self-confident and doesn’t shy away from big challenges.

Of course his start at Real Madrid is not a normal start. A new player in the team in another country usually has to adapt, but it didn’t surprise me too much that things were different with Jude, because I know Jude’s mentality.”

Is this to be the next legacy-defining rivalry in the world of football? Only time will tell. Nevertheless, the potential both youngsters bring to change games at a drop of the moment and their maturity beyond their years will surely bring joy and entertainment in the many encounters that are bound to occur. Here is to hope that Musiala will come out on top this time around.

Looking for more thoughts and analysis on Bayern Munich’s massive Champions League showdown with Real Madrid? We’ve got you covered with our Bavarian Podcast Works — Preview Show, where we dive into the game, Bayern Munich’s tenuous injury situation, a guess on Thomas Tuchel’s lineup, and a prediction on the game. Check it out on Spotify or below: