The list of disappointing players chosen by fellow players also included Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich). This is not the public opinion of fans, but a direct evaluation from players competing in the same league.

The German football magazine Kicker published the results of a survey conducted on Bundesliga players regarding the 'most disappointing field player' of the 2024-2025 season on the 3rd (Korean time).

This survey was not fan voting but an official survey (SPIELER-UMFRAGE) targeting active players in the Bundesliga, regularly conducted by Kicker after each season to evaluate the league internally. It gathers honest opinions from players under the condition that their names remain anonymous, and it is considered to most accurately reflect the atmosphere and reputation on the field.

As a result of the survey, Bayern Munich's midfielder João Palhinha ranked first with 13.4%. He was followed by Borussia Dortmund's Julian Brandt (10.2%), Bayer 04 Leverkusen's Victor Boniface (6.9%), and VfB Stuttgart's Dennis Undav (5.6%).

The name that drew the attention of Korean fans was listed lower down. Kim Min-jae received 2.3% of the votes, placing him jointly in 10th alongside Dortmund's Niklas Süle, Bayern's Leroy Sané, and the rumored transfer target for Al Ahli, Sascha Boy.

Kim Min-jae appeared in 43 official matches wearing the Bayern Munich uniform this season. He defended the team's rear despite enduring overload due to a series of defensive injuries, but in the latter half of the season, he suffered from frequent mistakes and a decline in performance. In particular, the consecutive critical goals allowed against Inter Milan and Dortmund in the Champions League appear to have negatively impacted his evaluation.

Of course, this is not solely Kim Min-jae's issue. While all his teammates fell due to injuries, Kim Min-jae was, in fact, one of the players with excessively high playing time. It was belatedly reported that Kim had been playing with an ankle injury since October of last year.

The evaluations from players were harsh. This survey carries weight not as an external opinion but as feedback from fellow players who directly faced him in the league. This means that the players who faced Kim Min-jae felt disappointed.

The survey results also included Dortmund's Emre Can, RB Leipzig's André Silva and Lois Openda, as well as national team teammate Sané. Interestingly, most of those in the top ranks were players who had inconsistent performances during the season or did not play a solid role relative to expectations.

Of course, this survey should not be a basis for devaluing Kim Min-jae's overall career. However, given that it is an evaluation from other players, it can only be accepted as a cold perspective on his current status. For Kim Min-jae, as the 2025-2026 season approaches, there is certainly a task left to once again prove his worth.

[OSEN]