Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) has once again made history on the European stage. The architect of the Serie A championship, Kim Min-jae, has also acquired the new title of German Bundesliga champion. He has become the only defender to experience victory in two of the top five European leagues as a Korean player.

Bayern Munich finished their last home game of the season with a victory, defeating Borussia Mönchengladbach 2-0 in the 33rd round of the 2024-2025 Bundesliga at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, on the 11th (Korean time). Although they had already secured an early championship, their momentum did not wane until the moment they lifted the trophy.

Bayern Munich confirmed the league title on the 5th, thanks to Bayer Leverkusen's draw against Freiburg, establishing points difference regardless of remaining fixtures. After falling short of the unbeaten championship last season to Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich regained the Meisterschale in just one year, restoring their pride.

In that game, they achieved a perfect victory with a first goal from Harry Kane and a second goal from Michael Olise, and the ceremony with the home fans was more emotional than ever. Kim Min-jae, who made a long-awaited appearance in an official match, joined the victory celebration. He lifted the championship trophy with his teammates, writing another chapter of legend for himself.

‘Winning DNA’ Kim Min-jae, only the stage has changed

Kim Min-jae's 2024-2025 season has not been smooth. Throughout the season, he suffered from Achilles tendon pain, alternating between play and rest, and was left out of action for recovery after March. However, until the mid-show of the season, he was the most consistent field player in Bayern Munich's defense. It has come to light that he had many appearances while taking risks and even endured painkillers.

Ultimately, Bayern Munich's early championship was the result of such sacrifices and determination. Kim Min-jae led Napoli to the Serie A championship after 33 years last season, and in just one year, he lifted another trophy in the Bundesliga. He is the only defender to wear a championship ring in more than two major European leagues, not only in Korea but across Asia.

As he received the trophy and posed for photographs, Kim Min-jae smiled brightly in front of numerous foreign press cameras. Team symbol Manuel Neuer received the trophy first, but it was soon handed to Thomas Müller, who is nearing retirement, and in that moment, Kim Min-jae clapped and cheered with his teammates. This scene was not just a ceremony but symbolized that Kim Min-jae was a true part of the giant that is Bayern Munich.

Kane's liberation... put an end to the reign of no titles

Harry Kane was also a protagonist. He scored his 25th goal, firmly maintaining the top scorer position, and with the final league match remaining, he has a high chance of becoming the top scorer. More importantly, he finally obtained the first trophy of his career.

Since debuting at Tottenham in 2011, Kane has only experienced six second-place finishes with his national team and club. He came to Germany for trophies, and last season, Bayern Munich ended a 12-year drought, leading to another disappointment. However, this season, his remarkable performance has undoubtedly been key to winning.

After match, Kane kissed the trophy and said, “I waited 14 years for this moment. It’s an emotion I cannot express in words. It means a lot to this team, these fans, and to me.” It was a night that proved why he chose Bayern Munich.

Kim Min-jae, now turning eyes to the world stage

This championship marks another beginning for Kim Min-jae. His validation on the European stage is already complete. The remaining goals are the FIFA Club World Cup and the following season's UEFA Champions League. As a key defender for Bayern Munich, he is poised once more to face the world's top strikers.

Kim Min-jae's league back-to-back championship is not just about trophy collecting. It proves that Korean football can produce top-class defenders, and this achievement greatly contributes to elevating the status of Asian football as a whole.

While the trophy was in Kim Min-jae's hands, its weight was not personal. Inside it lay all the sweat spilled for Korean football, Asian defenders, and his own career.

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