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The Fallout From Lennart Karl’s Madrid Comments

Originally posted on Extratime Talk | By Denis Knezovic | Last updated Jan 9, 2026 8:35 AM ET

We have talked about the extreme hype surrounding Bayern Munich’s teenage sensation Lennart Karl in the past. We have talked about how, if they are not careful, his meteoric rise within the Bavarians’ ranks could come to a premature end, before his career even gets going.

In any case, at a recent Bayern Munich fan club meeting, Karl was asked if he had any ambition to play for another club. He answered that while it is a dream to play for Bayern, he would at some point like to join Real Madrid. Lennart Karl’s Madrid comments were seen by some fans as a reason to bench or even sell the youngster. This, too is extreme.

Lennart Karl’s Madrid Comments: The Importance of Staying Calm

Just like it is wrong to compare a 17-year-old upstart to Lionel Messi, after he scores his first two professional goals, it is equally wrong to condemn him when he makes a misguided public statement.

There is a German saying that comes to mind, which is very appropriate here: die Kirche im Dorf lassen, which literally means to leave the church in the village, to remain rational and reasonable.

That is exactly how the club have handled Lennart Karl’s Madrid comments, while everyone else seems to have totally lost their minds.

Both sporting director Christoph Freund and sporting board member Max Eberl have made clear that the comments will have no consequences for the teenager.

Meanwhile, a group of fans went overboard, with hateful messages against Karl on his social media platforms. This type of behaviour has no place in football and is totally unacceptable towards a young man naïvely expressing his dreams.

Since then, the player has apologised for the remarks, both privately to the club as well as publicly to Bayern fans.

The Moral of the Story

Far more importantly, the teenager has decided to let his football do the talking for him. On Tuesday, January 6, Bayern played their only friendly game of the winter break, defeating Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg 5-0, while Karl chipped in two goals and an assist.

In that way, he himself gave the best possible answer to Lennart Karl’s Madrid comments by delivering for Bayern on the pitch. He needs to do that in the upcoming competitive matches as well.

What Remains From the Uproar

There is, of course, something of a bad taste in people’s mouths that remains after all of this commotion of the last few days. That is because the boy has always come across as a bit too arrogant and full of himself.

He tends to celebrate his goals provocatively. Of course, the extreme media coverage of him isn’t helping. Many journalists and pundits alike portray him as the saviour of German football.

For a 17-year-old kid, that is a lot to take in. But Lennart Karl’s Madrid comments also add to the perception that he desperately needs to come down to earth. His agent, Michael Ballack, certainly has to have a serious talk with him about that.

But even so, we all must remember his age at all times. Lennart Karl’s Madrid comments are a sign of imaturity as well.

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