Hoeness rebukes Lennart Karl: “He is far from a superstar”

Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeness has come out against Lennart Karl, the 18-year-old winger whose start to the season has been far below expectations. According to RMC Sport, Hoeness says he will have a serious conversation with him, stressing that he is far from being a superstar. He adds that young players need humility but also pressure, and wonders whether it is good for the player to be overprotected all the time.

Karl suffered a thigh injury in training a week before the 2026 World Cup, which ruled him out of Germany's squad. Last season he produced nine goals and eight assists for Bayern Munich, but this campaign he has only logged 267 minutes and scored once in nine matches.

Hoeness also dismissed comparisons with Michael Olise: “there is still a world of difference between them.” Bild adds that the club is increasingly worried the player is focusing more on social media than on the pitch, and on his high-profile influencer girlfriend.