World Cup stars of the Bundesliga: Bayern Munich's Kim Min-Jae
Kim Min-Jae'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: Kim Min-Jae
Club: Bayern Munich
Nation: South Korea
International debut: 31 August 2017
Caps: 77
International goals: 4
Stats correct as of 15 May 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 has started 19 of Bayern's 33 league matches in 2025/26, while also being used off the bench to help Bayern to challenge on several fronts. Ultimately, he is a Bundesliga winner once again, and could also lift the DFB Cup on 23 May.
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 the March 2026 friendly against Ivory Coast, and will bring his experience of big European games – and having played at the 2022 World Cup – to the table in June as his country faces co-hosts Mexico, South Africa and Czechia in the final tournament.
Watch: No way past Kim
What his coaches say
"Our strikers have no fun competing against him in training sessions." – Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany
"Kim Min-jae is a very important player not only for Bayern, but also for our national team." - South Korea head coach Hong Myung-Bo
