Joshua Kimmich to Miss Bayern Munich’s Champions League Clash After Father’s Death
Bayern Munich will face Arsenal in the Champions League without one of their most influential players after Joshua Kimmich suffered a devastating loss in his family. The Germany captain has withdrawn from the eagerly anticipated match following the death of his father, Berthold, aged 57.
Bayern confirmed on Wednesday that Kimmich would be unavailable for the European fixture at the Allianz Arena because of the death of a close family member. The club did not initially identify the person, asking that the player and his family be given privacy. German newspaper Bild later reported, citing sources close to Kimmich, that his father had died following complications from a sudden heart attack.
The news comes as Bayern prepare for a high-profile meeting with Arsenal, a contest expected to test both teams’ ambitions in Europe. Yet the football itself has taken a back seat to the personal tragedy facing Kimmich and those close to him.
A father’s influence on Kimmich’s football journey
Berthold Kimmich was more than a supporter watching from the stands. He played an important role in encouraging his son’s development from an early age, helping Joshua pursue football while the family navigated the demands of training and competition.
According to Bild, Berthold regularly made long journeys to Stuttgart so he could take his son to matches and training sessions. That commitment helped Joshua build the foundations of a career that would eventually take him from youth football into the professional game.
Kimmich progressed through Stuttgart’s system before continuing his development at RB Leipzig. Bayern Munich signed him in 2015, and he steadily established himself as a central figure in the team. Known for his tactical intelligence, passing range, work rate and ability to influence play from midfield or defence, he has become one of the most accomplished German players of his generation.
His rise has also included leadership responsibilities at international level. Kimmich has captained Germany and become a prominent voice in the national team, while at Bayern he has regularly been relied upon in major domestic and European matches. His father’s support throughout that journey makes the loss especially poignant.
Bayern Munich offer their support
Bayern responded to the news with a message of sympathy and solidarity. In an official statement, the club said: “The entire Bayern Munich club stands alongside Joshua Kimmich, expressing its deepest condolences.”
Kimmich had already missed Bayern’s final training session on Tuesday for personal reasons. The club subsequently confirmed that he would not be involved against Arsenal, without sharing further details at the time. The decision allows the midfielder to be with his family during an exceptionally difficult period.
Bayern have also asked the public and media to respect the family’s privacy. The request reflects the sensitive nature of the situation and the importance of allowing Kimmich and his loved ones space to grieve away from the attention that accompanies a major Champions League match.
What Kimmich’s absence means for the Arsenal match
From a football perspective, Kimmich’s absence is a significant setback for Bayern. He brings experience, composure and versatility, and can help dictate the tempo of a game through his distribution and positioning. His ability to move between midfield and defensive roles also gives the coaching staff useful tactical options.
Against an Arsenal side known for its organisation, pressing and ability to transition quickly, Bayern will need other players to take responsibility for controlling possession and protecting the space in front of the defence. The hosts may adjust their midfield structure or ask a teammate to shoulder more of the playmaking burden. Any such change, however, cannot fully replace Kimmich’s combination of leadership and experience.
That does not make the outcome predictable. Champions League matches between elite clubs are often decided by fine margins, and Bayern still have considerable quality across their squad. Arsenal, meanwhile, will be preparing for a formidable opponent, but the emotional context surrounding Kimmich’s absence adds a human dimension that goes beyond tactics or match prediction.
A difficult moment beyond the pitch
For Kimmich, the immediate priority is not the result at the Allianz Arena but supporting his family and mourning his father. The football world has often seen players expected to perform through intense public scrutiny, yet moments like this underline that athletes face the same personal losses as anyone else.
Berthold’s encouragement helped Joshua take the early steps that eventually led to Stuttgart, Leipzig, Bayern Munich and the Germany captaincy. While the midfielder’s achievements belong to him, the support he received along the way forms part of that story.
Bayern’s Champions League meeting with Arsenal remains a major occasion, but the club’s message is clear: its player comes first. As the teams prepare for a demanding European night, supporters and teammates will be thinking of Kimmich and his family, with condolences extending well beyond Munich.
