Getting to pull on the FC Bayern shirt, fight for a place in the World Squad starting XI and earn a professional contract at the end of it. FC Bayern gave 23 young players from 18 countries the chance to seize this opportunity with the third run of the FC Bayern World Squad project – and you can follow their journey again! On this page we’re showing you all eight episodes of the Class of '23.
Episode 1: A Coach's Debut: Roy Makaay
The young players of the FC Bayern World Squad set off together on an exciting journey to Buenos Aires, Argentina for an intense training camp. New for this year is the arrival of head coach and FC Bayern legend Roy Makaay. With his experience and expertise, he’ll guide and support the Class of ’23 on their way. Who’s part of this year’s journey and can impress in the opening training sessions?
Episode 2: Train Like FC Bayern
In the second episode, the boys from all over the world have arrived in Argentina and are working hard under the guidance of the FC Bayern coaching team. The level is high, as are expectations. The players now have the chance to prove themselves in the first game in Argentina against Estudiantes de la Plata. The question is: just how strong is this year’s group and can they win the game?
Episode 3: Behaviour Off the Pitch
Our team take on the talented Argentinos Juniors – the boyhood club of Diego Maradona – and the tension couldn’t be higher. But before the game starts, Gustavo’s injury requires closer inspection. Will his dream end here? Or can he get back into top shape and return to the pitch? That’s not all. The FC Bayern coaches are concerned about the behaviour of some of the players off the field. How will that impact on the team? And what consequence will there be?
Episode 4: When Players Must Leave
In the fourth episode, the team dive into the culture and homeland of the legendary Diego Maradona, experiencing Argentinian football in person at a game. But that’s not all! The FC Bayern World Squad play against none other than the U20s of River Plate. The tension rises because the match against River Plate won’t just decide who wins or loses. It will also decide who gets to continue their journey at the training camp in Germany. Who will prove themselves and who will eventually have to pack their bags?
Episode 5: Who's In, Who's Out?
The FC Bayern World Squad are set to return to Germany, but not all the players can make the journey. On arrival at Säbener Straße, the traditional home of Bayern’s senior team, there’s plenty of nerves and excitement. The boys are getting their first impression of Munich and immersing themselves in the local football culture with a visit to a street football tournament organised by buntkicktgut. Who will be able to make their mark in the Bavarian capital?
Episode 6: Tuchel’s Influence
A look behind the scenes at goalkeeping training reveals the intensity and competition between the three keepers in the squad. Who will emerge as No.1? While training at Säbener Straße, first team head coach Thomas Tuchel and academy goalkeeping coach Tom Starke watch on. Who can impress and what behaviour is expected at Säbener Straße? The episode ends with the squad departing on their tour of Germany for a key game against KSV Kassel at the DFB Campus in Frankfurt.
Episode 7: Red vs. Blue
The youngsters reach the highlight of their Germany tour as they arrive in Hamburg for their final practice match against HSV before their big showdown with Bayern’s U19s side. The seventh episode shows the preparations, the encounters with the HSV players and the atmosphere in Northern Germany. The end is approaching and the question is: who will ultimately make the leap to professional player?
Episode 8: Path to Pro?
After the tour of Germany, the team returns to Säbener Straße to prepare for the crucial match against the FC Bayern U19s at the Campus. The question is: can they play at the same level after two intensive training camps? The final test will decide who will remain part of the team next year and who will have to leave. Who will make the leap to being a professional footballer? Expect excitement and crucial decisions in the grand finale of this unique football journey!
Applications are currently open for the next edition of the FC Bayern World Squad:
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