Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich), known as 'the wall,' achieved the championship that even Cha Bum-kun and Son Heung-min could not.
Bayern Munich confirmed its championship early on the 5th as second-placed Bayer Leverkusen drew 2-2 with Freiburg. Munich claimed its 34th Bundesliga title with two league matches remaining. Bayern washed away the humiliation of finishing third last season and returned to the championship after two years.
'The wall' Kim Min-jae has become the first Korean player to achieve the remarkable feat of winning the Bundesliga. Kim Min-jae started all 27 league matches he participated in, playing a vital role as a key defender for Munich.
Furthermore, Kim Min-jae has now become the first Korean player to win championships in both Italy and Germany. Kim Min-jae led Napoli to the Serie A title in the 22-23 season. Having developed into Italy's top defender, Kim Min-jae brought a trophy to Napoli after 33 years. Even now, Kim Min-jae is regarded as a hero in Napoli.
After dominating the Italian league, Kim Min-jae received an offer from big club Bayern Munich after just one season. Kim Min-jae rose to the top two seasons after transferring to Germany. After being overshadowed in the starting competition in the second half of last season, Kim Min-jae gained the favor of manager Vincent Kompany this season and achieved the championship.
Although there were many trials, he overcame them all. Kim Min-jae has been suffering from an Achilles injury for the last seven months but persevered for the team. In an interview with 'TZ,' Kim Min-jae noted, "The Achilles issue is still present. However, I am biting my teeth and enduring with my eyes closed."
Numerous Korean players have played in Germany over the years. However, the Bundesliga championship is a record that even pioneer Cha Bum-kun could not achieve. Cha Bum-kun was a legend who led Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen to UEFA Cup victories in 1980 and 1988, respectively. However, he had never claimed the Bundesliga title. Cha Bum-kun recorded 98 goals and 76 assists in a total of 308 Bundesliga matches.
Son Heung-min's Bundesliga record is also noteworthy. After going through Hamburg's youth team, Son Heung-min signed a formal contract in 2010. He transferred to Bayer Leverkusen in 2013 and played for two more years until 2015. He recorded 42 goals in a total of 135 Bundesliga matches. However, Son Heung-min, who played for Hamburg and Bayer Leverkusen, also did not win the Bundesliga title.
The value of Kim Min-jae, who has led every team to victory, is clear. This season, Bayern's defense was devastated by injuries. Fellow defenders Dayot Upamecano, Hiroki Ito, and Alphonso Davies were out for extended periods due to injuries. Only Kim Min-jae took full responsibility for Bayern's defense throughout the season. This championship would not have been achieved without Kim Min-jae.
Despite his indisputable contribution to the championship, rumors regarding Kim Min-jae's transfer persist. There are widespread rumors this summer that Kim Min-jae will transfer to another team. Already, the names of Premier League clubs Newcastle and Manchester United are being mentioned. It would not be surprising if Kim Min-jae, who has dominated Italy and Germany, transfers to another big league.
Kim Min-jae expressed a strong affection for his team, saying, "I want to stay at Munich and continue competing."
Kim Min-jae has become the first player in Korean football history to achieve championships in both Serie A and the Bundesliga. He has experienced the remarkable feat of winning in a big league twice in the past three seasons, which is something that is hard to experience even once in a lifetime.
Like Cha Bum-kun, who won the UEFA Cup, and Park Ji-sung, who won the Premier League and the Champions League, Kim Min-jae will forever inscribe his name in the history of Korean football.
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