It is not a fair treatment, to say the least. Is this really the treatment that a legend deserves?
TZ reported on the 7th that 'Kim Min-jae may not be able to participate in the tournament due to issues with the entry process.'
The point of contention is that Kim Min-jae will have a history of visiting the Middle East while participating in the 2026 North and Central American World Cup Asian qualifiers against Iraq. A history of visiting Middle Eastern countries may act as a sensitive factor in U.S. entry inspection, and there was a precedent where former coach Xavi Hernandez was denied entry due to a history of visiting Iran.
TZ noted that 'since the Club World Cup is an international tournament, there is a possibility of exceptions being applied,' however, 'there are no clear entry criteria for participants of the Club World Cup set by the U.S. government.' It is analyzed that, while the possibility of entry is high, it is a complex situation that cannot be guaranteed entirely.
Kim Min-jae is currently focused on recovering from his injury. He has struggled with Achilles pain, as well as issues with his ankle and back, and was recently excluded from Bayern Munich's league match roster. German media reported that 'coach Vincent Kompany will rest Kim Min-jae in the remaining two games,' adding that this is a measure in preparation for the Club World Cup.
This season, Kim Min-jae has participated in 27 matches in the Bundesliga, playing as a starting defender. He played a central role in both buildup and defensive organization and showcased stable performances early in the season. However, his performance declined and frequent mistakes occurred following a series of injuries in the mid-season.
Despite the pain, he insisted on playing, even stating that 'it is better to break than to sit on the bench.' The International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) has rated him as one of the best center backs in the world, but FIFPRO has warned that excessive play could adversely affect health.
In the end, the result of overexertion led to mistakes. In the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals against Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund, he made consecutive defensive errors, and Director General Max Eberl publicly pointed out that 'Kim Min-jae's mistakes led to goals conceded.'
Locally in Germany, there is generally optimism regarding Kim Min-jae's participation in the Club World Cup, but Japanese media are highlighting a negative perspective. 'The World' stated that 'there is a possibility that Kim Min-jae's trip to the U.S. could be thwarted,' asserting that the absence of Japanese national Ito Hiroki could lead to the collapse of Bayern Munich's defensive strength.
However, this report is assessed as deliberately emphasizing a negative interpretation while omitting core elements such as the possibility of exceptions that TZ mentioned.
Amid the ongoing controversy, Kim Min-jae affirmed his desire to stay in an interview with 'Bild,' stating, 'I do not want to leave this team. I want to start next season with a healthy body.' In fact, it has been reported that the mood within Bayern Munich is also focused on recovery and reorganization rather than transfers.
However, contrary to Kim Min-jae's determination, Bayern is still continuing to ignore him even toward the end of the season. Kim Min-jae was excluded from the celebratory video and thumbnail image released immediately after Bayern confirmed their championship. This video spread quickly among global fans, and some questioned, 'Why is Kim Min-jae excluded?'
There were even voices pointing out elements of racism, and ultimately the club belatedly replaced the image and highlighted Kim Min-jae in a separate post. However, this process sparked another controversy, as criticisms arose that the term 'the first Korean winner in the Bundesliga' ignored Jeong Woo-young's prior achievements.
At this point, it is difficult to view it as a simple mistake being repeated. Of course, Kim Min-jae has ended his season early due to Achilles and foot pain. However, his absence from the Guard of Honor (victory celebration) was shocking. TZ reported that 'the prospective new coach Vincent Kompany intends to give Kim Min-jae enough recovery time.'
However, in contrast to transfer targets and other injured players who showed up at events regardless of their physical condition, opinions among fans suggest that 'this is not just a matter of rest but a distancing.' Kim Min-jae participated with painkillers up until mid-season, especially as he alone endured while other defenders were sidelined with injuries, making the treatment even more harsh.
The atmosphere is gradually shifting subtly. German Sky Sports' Plettenberg reported that 'Bayern Munich will keep the door open for Kim Min-jae's transfer if offers exceeding 50 million euros (78.6 billion won) come in.' In fact, there are rumors that Chelsea, Newcastle, and Juventus have been in contact with Kim Min-jae's side. Given the current situation, the possibility of a transfer this summer is not low.
Kim Min-jae lifted the Scudetto with Napoli last season and experienced Bundesliga victory with Bayern Munich this season, stepping onto the summit of Europe's top five leagues twice. However, the memory of this victory is not entirely pleasant. While there was dedication and contribution, the camera and spotlight passed him by.
Bayern's neglect stands in stark contrast to the victory with Napoli. At that time, Kim Min-jae was evaluated as a key player in Napoli's victory and received great cheers, but this time he has been excluded. While it could be attributed simply to injury or condition issues, it reveals what Bayern thinks about Kim Min-jae's contributions.
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