Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) has achieved yet another milestone. Following his victory in the Italian Serie A, he has also conquered the German Bundesliga, becoming the first South Korean player to win in both leagues among the five major European leagues.

On the 11th (Korea time), Kim Min-jae lifted the championship trophy high during the victory ceremony held immediately after the 33rd round Bundesliga match against Borussia Mönchengladbach at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. He had briefly returned to Korea for injury treatment but made his way back to Munich in time for the official team ceremony, sharing the festive moment with his teammates.

Bayern Munich had already secured the league title on the 5th. After competing team Bayer Leverkusen drew 2-2 with Freiburg, Bayern was crowned the 2024-2025 season league champion, regardless of the results of remaining matches. After conceding the throne to Leverkusen last season, Bayern reclaimed it after a year.

In the home game that served as a celebration, Bayern showed they were still a force to be reckoned with. With Harry Kane scoring the opening goal in the 31st minute of the first half and Michael Olise adding another goal just before the end of the second half, Bayern secured a 2-0 victory, highlighting the significance of their championship. With 79 points (24 wins, 7 draws, 2 losses), Bayern displayed their dominance in the league.

Despite injuries this season, Kim Min-jae dedicated himself as a central defender for the team. In particular, during the first half of the season, he started nearly every match in a defense line that had been plagued with injuries. However, his frequent appearances led to severe Achilles tendon pain, prompting him to focus on rest and rehabilitation from the end of March. Although he has not participated in official matches since the Mainz game, Kim Min-jae remained at the center of Bayern’s defense throughout the season.

During the victory ceremony, Kim Min-jae was the sixth player on the team to receive the trophy. After captain Manuel Neuer received the trophy, the moment he handed it to the soon-to-retire Thomas Müller instead of lifting it himself highlighted the symbolism and tradition of the Bayern team. When Müller hoisted the trophy, Kim Min-jae and his teammates cheered and shared that moment together.

Kim Min-jae had already led Napoli to the Serie A title last season, achieving a miraculous victory after 33 years. And in his first season at Bayern, he also claimed the Bundesliga title, experiencing back-to-back championship victories. He is the only South Korean player to have won titles in two top-tier European leagues.

This is an achievement beyond mere trophy collection. It is rare worldwide for a defender to have led two consecutive seasons to victory, and Kim Min-jae's name is now being noted alongside the nickname "trophy maker" in larger arenas. Although his appearances have decreased since mid-season, no one in the team denies the contributions he has made in earlier matches.

On the same day, his teammate Harry Kane continued to break impressive records. With his 25th league goal, he maintained his lead in scoring and took another step closer to winning the top scorer award. He is effectively six goals ahead of Dortmund's Serhou Guirassy (19 goals), reserving the title for himself. Leaving behind the trophy-less times at Tottenham, Kane finally secured his first league title.

Kim Min-jae's journey now leads to the next stage. Bayern Munich will participate in the FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S. this summer and the 2025-2026 UEFA Champions League, where Kim Min-jae is expected to play a key role as a defender.

Kim Min-jae has drawn a new chapter in South Korean football history. Fans are focused on what record he will write in his next chapter.

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