FC Bayern has extended Aleks Pavlović’s contract until 2029, setting a sign for the future after the 20-year-old midfielder’s consistently standout performances. Thirteen years ago, the Munich lad set off on his journey with FC Bayern – a great reason to look back on the highlights of his career so far.
Switch to the Under 8s
The midfielder, now 1.88 metres tall, began his Bayern adventure in 2011, switching from Fürstenfeldbruck to the German record champions’ youth section. The then seven-year-old Munich native was discovered at an indoor tournament by an FCB scout. It kicked off Pavlović’s journey with the club of his dreams.
Senior level debut for the reserve team
After being part of all the FC Bayern Campus youth teams since its opening in 2017 and acting as ball boy at first team matches in the Allianz Arena, the German-Serbian player received some very special news on 10 March 2023: welcome to the senior teams, Aleks! When the FC Bayern reserves, who Pavlović still keeps tabs on to this day, played TSV Buchbach in the Regionalliga, he was subbed on for captain Timo Kern after 74 minutes of play. In the end, Pavlović made nine appearances for the Munich reserves in Germany's fourth-highest division.
First time with the first team – the Audi Summer Tour 2023
After several training sessions at Säbener Straße, Pavlović was also part of the FC Bayern squad that travelled to Japan and Singapore at the end of July 2023. He donned the first-team jersey for the first time during the Audi Summer Tour and came on as a substitute in each of the three friendly matches against Manchester City, Kawasaki Frontale and Liverpool.
Resounding victory in first Bundesliga game
A historic match on multiple counts: Manuel Neuer’s comeback, Harry Kane’s hat-trick – including the Goal of the Season from over 50 metres – and the 8 goals against SV Darmstadt 98, giving Bayern the highest win of the season (8-0) on 28 October. Aleksandar Pavlović will also never forget that day, coming on for Matthijs de Ligt after 77 minutes, thus making his Bundesliga debut for FC Bayern. He stepped out onto the pitch at the Allianz Arena grinning from ear to ear, sheer joy written plainly on his face: “Standing there and then coming on, I can hardly put this feeling into words.”
Signing with the pros
Just four days after his shining moment against Darmstadt came the next highlight for the Germany youth player – this time at Säbener Straße, where Pavlović signed his first professional contract. “We’re very happy for Aleksandar Pavlovic, who has celebrated not one but two firsts in the space of just a few days: first his Bundesliga debut, now his first professional contract,” said CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen.
First assist – for Harry Kane
The hits just kept on coming: only a few days after signing, Pavlović made his mark on the pitch yet again. In the top Bundesliga match against Borussia Dortmund he came on for Dayot Upamecano after 60 minutes and played a decisive role in turning a 2-0 lead into a clear 4-0 away win. The midfielder set up Harry Kane's goal for the final score thanks to his strong anticipation. “The assist in my second Bundesliga game was a high point at the time, of course, I can hardly find the words to describe it,” Pavlović reflected.
First time in a Bundesliga starting line-up
Looking back, we can only imagine what the aspiring young professional must have been feeling in November 2023 as his star just kept rising. On 11 November, Pavlović made his debut in the starting line-up for the record champions against 1. FC Heidenheim. “I had always dreamed of climbing those steps in the Allianz Arena as a player,” he said after the game. He earned praise from captain Manuel Neuer: “He did a great job in Dortmund and had his head in this game right from the start.”
First goal for the record champions
Finally, the inevitable happened: his first senior goal for FC Bayern, scored at the turn of the year on 27 January against Augsburg. After a corner the ball landed at the youngster’s feet. He didn’t hesitate and slotted it right into the corner of the net – 1-0 for FC Bayern. “That was an incredible moment. I’ll never forget it,” Pavlović said with a grin. FCB ultimately won 3-2 in the number 45's third starting appearance.
Maiden goal at the Allianz Arena
Pavlović took it to the next level on 3 February in the home game against Borussia Mönchengladbach with his first goal for Bayern on home turf – and what a goal it was, a crucial equaliser with his right foot after Thomas Müller set him up. “Aleks Pavlović is truly amazing. He plays very well and stays calm under pressure,” said president Herbert Hainer after the match.
Starting berth in the Champions League semi at the Bernabéu
Coach Thomas Tuchel had previously placed his trust in Pavlović, putting him in the starting line-up in the all-important Champions League Round of 16 second leg against Lazio (3-0). The defensive midfielder again demonstrated his strength with a courageous performance. But things got even better for the Bayern youth product: in arguably the most important match of the season, the second leg of the semi-final against Real Madrid in the legendary Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Pavlović was on the pitch from the start again. He performed with his usual confidence and helped ensure FCB were just minutes away from reaching the final. However, a last-minute defeat (2-1) meant they fell just short of reaching the final at Wembley.
International debut for Germany
The fruits of hard labour: after having to miss one match due to illness, the FC Bayern midfield talent was recruited to the national team squad for the European Championship in Germany by coach Julian Nagelsmann. The 20-year-old came on as a substitute in the friendly against Ukraine (0-0) ahead of the tournament, celebrating his debut for his country. Even though Pavlović will miss the European Championship due to illness: you can be more than proud of your journey so far, Pavlo!
Contract extended with FC Bayern
And the journey with FC Bayern will continue until at least 2029! After 19 Bundesliga and three Champions League appearances so far Pavlović has extended his contract with his home club. All the best for your future with FC Bayern, Aleks!
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