Alphonso Davies has signed a new contract at Bayern, keeping the Munich Roadrunner racing up and down the left wing at the Allianz Arena until 2030. While fans can continue to look forward to blistering sprints and eye-catching dribbles, the 24-year-old’s teammates will also be provided with the right beats in the changing room for years to come. fcbayern.com looks back on the Canadian’s time so far in Bavaria, based on his favourite songs.
Rema’s ‘Ozeba’ – Afrobeats reminding Davies of his origins
A Phonzy playlist wouldn’t be complete without some Afrobeats. Born in the Ghanian refugee camp of Buduburam to Liberian parents, it’s a part of who Davies is. His mother Victoria and father Debeah eventually emigrated to Canada in 2006 after fleeing the civil war in their homeland. Alphonso was five at the time and went on to discover a love for football – or soccer – in North America, thousands of miles from his place of birth. He’d spend every free minute on the pitch playing and was scouted by the Vancouver Whitecaps at the age of 14. Things in his career moved quickly from then, signing his first professional contract with the Canadian club and making his Major League Soccer debut all at the age of 15.
Alphonso Davies was even unstoppable as a teenager, making an early impact in the MLS. | © Imago
Just 11 months on from his MLS bow, he was handed his first senior cap by Canada – the youngest player in the country’s history. By the time he was 18, he’d already been named Canadian Men’s Player of the Year – again, the youngest-ever recipient of the award. “We came as refugees from Africa to Canada and worked for it,” Davies told Bayern members’ magazine ‘51’ of his journey. “I think my life can show people that a lot is possible when you stay true to yourself and don’t be led astray from the right path.” Phonzy has stayed exactly who he is and has never forgotten where he came from, despite all his success. That’s reflected in his selection of West African beats that DJ Davies now uses to get his teammates psyched up for games.
Luciano’s ‘Fendi Drip’ – Hip-hop from Davies’ second home
Davies caught the eye of many of Europe’s top clubs during his time in Canada. In his last season in the MLS, the then winger scored eight goals and provided 10 assists in 31 games. It was ultimately Bayern who won the race for the speedster, who touched down in Germany just days after his 18th birthday. He didn’t need long to settle into life in the Bavarian capital. “Munich is a wonderful city. I really like it here,” he said in his first interview in German after barely six months in the country. Davies was learning the language, growing accustomed to the way of life and also immersing himself into Bavarian culture, like with challenges for the club’s social media channels such as hammering a nail, flipping beermats or holding up glasses of beer.
Alphonso Davies competed in the Paulaner Bayern Challenge with friend Jamal Musiala. | © FC Bayern
It wasn’t just in the city that Davies quickly found his feet. The Canadian soon got to grips with the club’s ‘Mia san mia’ identity. “There’s a family feeling about Bayern. You’re really welcomed in. Everyone’s so warm in caring for you, but at the same time you’re also pushed to the highest possible performances in every single training session,” he explained. “’Mia san mia’ is something I’ve taken to heart, because I fully identify with it. It’s now firmly inside of me.” His relaxed, joking and friendly demeanour also made him an immediate favourite among fans. ‘Drip’ – modern slang for cool and stylish – is definitely something that applies to Phonzy.
Davies also had games for Bayern’s reserves when he first arrived in Munich, gaining promotion to the 3. Liga in 2019. | © Imago
Davies also fit right in on the pitch, adding that something extra to Bayern’s attack. He quickly picked up where he’d left off back in Vancouver, adapting to the German game with minutes for Bayern’s first and second teams, giving regular glimpses of his talent and ending his first season with the 2018/19 Bundesliga title in his hands. But it was the following year where his career really took off.
MHD’s ‘Champions League’ – Showing off to the world
Champions League nights always have that sense of magic about them. Under the lights, the pre-match anthem, the atmosphere – it all gives players that extra boost. This was also evident when Davies took his first steps on the European football stage. Our No.19 stood out among a sensational Munich team that reached for Europe's footballing summit in the 2019/20 season. It was Phonzy’s first full campaign with the club and he was already one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Meep, Meep! Davies caught the world’s attention with a brilliant run down the left in the 2019/20 Champions League tie against Chelsea. | © Imago
The speed of his runs down the left caused opponents all sorts of problems. Chelsea were one of the first teams in Europe to be on the receiving end in the round of 16 first leg in February 2020. Even Usain Bolt probably would’ve struggled to keep up with Davies as he created Bayern’s third goal in the 3-0 win. A top speed of over 36 km/h (over 22 mph) earned him the nickname the Roadrunner from Thomas Müller. And of course we can’t forget his famous run in the 8-2 thrashing of Barcelona in August 2020 when he glided past half the Catalan defence. If he hadn’t been a household name in world football before that night, he certainly was now. No wonder he likes MHD’s Afrotrap hit ‘Champions League’ so much.
Burna Boy’s ‘Sittin' On Top Of The World’ – Davies’ breakthrough at the top
Davies and Bayern reached club football’s summit on 23 August 2020 by beating Paris Saint-Germain in the final. Barely 18 months since swapping Canada for Germany, Davies was on top of the world. And even more remarkable is that he’d done it all in a new position. “The move from left wing to left-back wasn’t that tough,” he confidently told fcbayern.com at the start of his second year in Munich.
Alphonso Davies was on top of the world after beating PSG in the Champions League final. | © Imago
It quickly became clear that the left-back spot was perfect for him. It allowed him to race into space going forward, with opponents busting a gut to keep pace. And that speed also proved to be a huge asset in defending. Even if a forward had a head start on him, it wouldn’t be long before he felt Davies breathing down his neck on the chase back. The ability to play in different positions is what makes a world-class player, just like Phonzy has shown he is.
Davido’s ‘LCND - Legend Can Never Die – Davies’s goal?
Alphonso Davies smashed in a goal with his weaker right foot against Real Madrid in the 2023/24 Champions League semi-final. | © Imago
There’s definitely no talk of Davies being a one-hit wonder five years on from his breakthrough. His trophy collection alongside that 2020 Champions League winner’s medal also contains five Bundesliga titles, two DFB Cups, a FIFA Club World Cup, a UEFA Super Cup and three German Supercups, plus four Canadian Men’s Player of the Year awards. And the 24-year-old hasn’t lost his shine in the Champions League, almost sending Bayern into last season’s final with a thumping goal in the semis second leg at Real Madrid. The Canadian is seen as one of the best left-backs in the world and is a pillar of Bayern’s team. And he’ll continue to be one in the years to come, having the chance to become a legend in Munich. And as we know, legend(s) can never die.
Basshunter’s ‘Now You’re Gone’ – But Phonzy isn’t!
Davies will continue to wear the red of Bayern beyond this season and through to at least 2030. | © Imago
Davies is a fan of Basshunter’s dance hit ‘Now You’re Gone’, but that’s not quite befitting this news. How about a change of name? ‘Now You’re Staying’, by Alphonso Davies?
“Munich my throne, this city been worthy. Signed that deal, now the game look sturdy. Red kit on my back, and the goals come early...”
We can’t wait for five more years, Phonzy!
Davies revealed his five favourite songs on the Bundesliga’s official YouTube channel:
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