World Cup stars of the Bundesliga: Bayern Munich's Minjae Kim
Minjae Kim's dependable defensive qualities have helped Bayern Munich to an incredible 2025/26 season - can the 29-year-old now inspire South Korea at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Name: Minjae Kim
Club: Bayern Munich
Nation: South Korea
International debut: 31 August 2017
Caps: 79
International goals: Four
Stats correct as of 11 June 2026
How was his 2025/26 season?
If anyone knows a good centre-back when he sees one, it is Bayern boss Vincent Kompany, and the former Manchester City and Belgium captain clearly believes in Kim, using him frequently in a rotation of a trio of world-class defenders along with Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah.
The South Korea international started 19 of Bayern's 34 league matches in 2025/26, while also being used off the bench to help the Bavarians retain the Bundesliga title and get their hands on the DFB Cup.
What he brings to the national team
Kim was still short of his 21st birthday when he made his senior international debut, and the fact he remains a regular feature for his country at the age of 29 gives you a sense of the standing he now holds.
He has worn the captain’s armband on a number of occasions, most recently in the March 2026 friendly against Côte d'Ivoire, and will bring his experience of big European games to the table in June as his country face co-hosts Mexico, South Africa and Czechia.
What his coaches say
"Our strikers have no fun competing against him in training sessions." - Kompany
"Minjae Kim is a very important player not only for Bayern, but also for our national team." - South Korea head coach Myung-bo Hong
