When Joshua Kimmich came to FC Bayern in summer 2015, there wasn't much to suggest that he would break through straight away. Firstly, the 20-year-old hadn't yet played a minute of Bundesliga football before joining the German record champions. Secondly, he had considerable competition in his natural position of holding midfielder, with greats such as Xabi Alonso, Philipp Lahm and Thiago Alcántara in front of him. How was the newcomer going to challenge such world-class players for their place?
When the team's injury situation worsened in the winter and the defence was stretched, a door opened for Kimmich. Coach Pep Guardiola moved the 1.77-metre-tall midfielder back into the centre of defence. Suddenly the Stuttgart academy product found himself in a completely alien position – and immediately had a job to do there.
Not the best situation in which to find your feet and take root in Munich. Today, nearly 10 years on, it is fair to say that the 30-year-old has done just that. In fact, he has matured from a Bundesliga debutant to a world-class player with the German record champions. The nature lover's tree - a symbol of his loyalty and hope for further growth - has flourished and will remain firmly anchored at Säbener Strasse in the future: FC Bayern have extended Joshua Kimmich's contract until 2029.
Taking root – an intense start in Munich
Kimmich's rise to the top of European football shows that something big and strong can grow out of fertile ground. Competing against the best of the best is the breeding ground for the development of young talents. At the beginning of his time in Munich, the youngster looked up to the experienced Alonso as an example. "You can pick up things from him every day," said Kimmich about the Spaniard, who now coaches Bayer 04 Leverkusen. "From his experience, the way he handles difficult situations, solves them, when he plays a bad pass once in a while. I'm trying to implement that in my game too." The new arrival from RB Leipzig grew as a result of fighting for a place in the starting line-up with top-quality players day in, day out. And he prevailed.
Normally it takes time for roots to establish themselves in the ground. The Rottweil native didn't have long to settle in Munich, though - he was thrown straight in at the deep end. In his debut season with the Reds, Kimmich made a total of 36 appearances, becoming an undisputed first-team regular after the winter break. On 31 January 2016, he played 90 minutes at centre-back for the first time in the 2-0 win at home to Hoffenheim. The youngster held his own in defence and impressed Guardiola so much that he started in 12 out of 17 Bundesliga fixtures in the second half of the season. The then coach was quite taken by his young protégé. "He's almost like my son," said Guardiola of Kimmich.
Frequently replanted – flexibility a great asset
Speaking of changing positions: how well the roots grow into the ground also depends on how often a tree has been replanted. Kimmich never had a permanent place in the Bayern line-up in the early years. Instead, he demonstrated that he could make his mark on the game from any position. In his second year, when he was deployed more often in midfield, he provided more attacking output. Six goals and one assist in 27 appearances speak for themselves. In the following 2017/18 season, the young all-rounder took over from Lahm at right-back and contributed 12 assists (one goal) in 29 games out wide. He had hardly any experience in this position either before his time at FCB. Kimmich once said that he only played at right-back from time to time as a youngster - that's currently where he's mainly deployed for the German national team.
Wherever he was selected at Bayern, Kimmich pleased in every role. The young talent grew through the huge flexibility that was asked of him. The williness to adapt, the ability to feel comfortable in different positions on the pitch, coupled with his reading of the game, have made him into the player he is today. "I think it's certainly an essential strength of mine that I can occupy multiple positions," he once said in an interview with the FC Bayern members' magazine. "But of course, eventually I want to be able to say: this position belongs to Kimmich."
The fully grown tree – a pillar of Bayern's play
That plan worked out. Now, years later, there's the Joshua tree - a symbol of the years of growth that both the player and club have been through. Kimmich has found his place as the midfield engine room. He's the nerve centre in the middle, he dictates the tempo, slows the game down and initiates attacks. And he has the bigger picture in mind. Delicate chips, fine through balls and dangerous set pieces are also part of his repertoire along with long-distance shots - as he proved in the 5-1 victory at home to RB Leipzig before Christmas, when he fired the ball inside the right post from 25 metres. Kimmich is also a bustling player without the ball, contesting duels all over the pitch. Aggressive in the press and in direct challenges - a battler who everyone would want on their team.
His qualities as a footballer are undisputed. What ties him to Bayern beyond that is the absolute will to win. On the pitch Kimmich demonstrates the willingness to give everything for 90 minutes and never give up. He exemplifies the winner mentality, which is deeply embedded in the club's 'Mia san mia' identity. A perfect 'match', a perfectly fitting piece of the puzzle, as a glance at the trophy cabinet reveals. Kimmich has won eight Bundesliga titles with FCB, three DFB Cups and six German Supercups. In Europe, he has a UEFA Super Cup, a FIFA Club World Cup and of course the 2020 Champions League triumph to his name. These are successes that don't come about by accident.
Strong branches – Kimmich as leader
A tree lets its branches grow in different directions. So too has Kimmich developed in many ways. He's not just matured as a footballer during his time in Munich but also a personality, taking responsibiltiy both on the pitch and in the dressing room. The 30-year-old has become a leading player. He already held that role for the German national team before he was officially appointed captain last September. He's also worn the armband for Bayern in the absence of Manuel Neuer and Thomas Müller - as he did at Leverkusen in the Champions League this week. It's a symbol that Kimmich leads the way, inspires his colleagues and takes young players by the hand. Just as a tree spreads out its branches, our number six points the way on and off the pitch.
Kimmich is now firmly rooted at the club, just like his tree is planted deep in the earth at Säbener Straße. The contract renewal until 2029 is an expression of stability. It represents a shared future, shaped by continuity and a clear vision.
And the tree will continue to grow. We look forward to four more years with you, Joshua - pack ma’s!
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