Literally, a pioneer of Asian football beyond Korean football.
On the 11th (Korea time), Bayern Munich defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach 2-0 in the 33rd round of the 2024-2025 Bundesliga held at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, concluding their final home game of the season with a victory. Although they had already secured the championship early, their momentum did not wane until the moment they lifted the trophy.
Bayern Munich secured the league title on the 5th when Bayer Leverkusen drew with Freiburg, confirming the points difference and finalizing the title regardless of the remaining schedule. Having missed out on the undefeated championship to Bayer Leverkusen last season, Bayern Munich reclaimed the Meisterschale and restored their pride after just one year.
In this match, they achieved a perfect victory with a first goal from Harry Kane and a second from Michael Olise, and the ceremony with home fans was more emotional than ever. Kim Min-jae, making a long-awaited appearance in an official match, joined the championship celebration. He lifted the championship trophy alongside his teammates, etching another part of his legend.
Although it was less severe than last season, Kim Min-jae's 2024-2025 season has not been easy. He struggled with Achilles pain throughout the season, alternating between playing and resting, and was sidelined for recovery after March. However, until the middle of the season, he was the most consistent field player in Bayern Munich's defense.
He played in many games despite the risks and it was later revealed that he even endured painkillers. Additionally, he suffered from bronchitis right after the March international match. Ultimately, Bayern Munich's early championship was the result built upon such sacrifices and determination. Kim Min-jae led Napoli to its first Serie A title in 33 years last season, and in just one year, he lifted another trophy in the Bundesliga.
Not only in Korea but also throughout Asia, Kim Min-jae is the only defender to have won championship rings in more than two of Europe's top leagues. It is especially rare for any Asian player to consistently serve as a key player for a championship-contending team as Kim Min-jae does. Even Son Heung-min, regarded as the greatest Asian player of all time, has yet to win a trophy.
At the moment he received the trophy and posed for a commemorative photo, Kim Min-jae smiled brightly in front of numerous foreign press cameras. Team icon Manuel Neuer received the trophy first, but it was quickly handed to Thomas Müller, who is nearing retirement, and in this scene, Kim Min-jae cheered and applauded alongside his teammates.
Meanwhile, Kim Min-jae appeared bright at the victory celebration, dispelling various rumors. Previously, Bayern had faced allegations of racial discrimination for the rude act of removing Kim Min-jae from a congratulatory thumbnail. Although they quickly corrected that upon realizing, it was undoubtedly a situation where talk would arise.
Still, it seems that amidst the victory celebration with other players, discussions about such neglect will quiet down for a while. This victory marks another beginning for Kim Min-jae. His validation on the European stage has already concluded. Now, the remaining goals are the FIFA Club World Cup and next season's UEFA Champions League. As a key defender for Bayern Munich, he is on the cusp of facing world-class strikers once again.
What will be the next challenge for Kim Min-jae, who has shown the best performance? While some rumors of a transfer are circulating, others say he is likely to stay with the team. If he remains with Bayern, pursuing consecutive league titles while challenging for European supremacy will likely be key points. It will be interesting to see what uncharted territory Kim Min-jae will pioneer next.
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