Aleksandar Pavlović shines for Bayern and dreams of the Ballon d'Or

Bayern München keeps riding Aleksandar Pavlović’s momentum: the German midfielder went from 22 first-team matches to settling in 33 games from 24/25, then delivered a full season of 44 appearances, 4 goals and 2 assists. As Mundo Deportivo notes, under Vincent Kompany he’s also been used in more interior roles when Bayern attack.

From Bayern to Germany

After the domestic double (Bundesliga and the German Cup) and a Champions League run that ended just short of the final, Pavlović was called up for the 2026 World Cup with Germany. His tournament was far from his best, with Philip Lahm saying the midfield was “especially unstable” and that Pavlović “didn’t convince me at all,” pointing to frequent simple-ball losses and poor positioning. Germany were eliminated in the round of 16 by Paraguay.

The Rodri comparison

Even with the World Cup, Bild reports Manchester City had strong interest in Pavlović as a potential successor to Rodri, citing physical similarities: he stands 1.87m. Pavlović shut down the idea he was anything less than elite, responding to the Rodri comparisons: “Everyone knows Rodri is a top defensive midfielder… He didn’t win the Ballon d’Or by chance” and adding: “I’d be lying if I said it wouldn’t be my dream to win the Ballon d’Or one day.” In Europe this season, he has one goal and two assists in eight matches.