Over 25,000 talented players from 100 countries have applied for this unique development programme over the past five years, hoping to get one step closer to their dream of becoming a professional footballer – and now the success story continues: June sees the start of the sixth season of the FC Bayern World Squad, initiated by the German champions alongside their partner Audi. In the dugout, legendary striker Roy Makaay will once again be at the helm as head coach, supported as last year by assistant coach Diego Contento, who was already playing for FC Bayern by the age of five, and Bernd Dreher as goalkeeping coach.
Board member for marketing and sales Rouven Kasper: "FC Bayern has been showing with the FC Bayern World Squad for over five years that football has no borders. The club brings together talented players from all across the world on one pitch. Together with our partner Audi, we're excited for the next edition of this unique development programme. We’re a pioneer in making a team out of young talent from different nations.“
© Graphic: FC Bayern
Director of youth development Jochen Sauer: "The FC Bayern World Squad has established itself as a cornerstone of our international youth development programme. Every talented player has the opportunity to surpass themselves at the highest level and thus take decisive steps towards a career in professional football. We not only nurture sporting abilities, but also character and mentality. This is how the professional players of tomorrow can develop."
Director Experiential and Sportsmarketing at Audi Christian Schüller: “The FC Bayern World Squad is an impressive example of how international young talents are given a door into elite sport. The combination of high performance standards, cultural diversity and genuine development prospects reflects values that are also of central importance to Audi."
One prime example of what is possible through the FC Bayern World Squad is Maycon Douglas Cardozo. After spending time at FC Bayern's Global Academy in the 2023/24 season, he became part of the World Squad Class of '24. He’s been under contract with the German champions since the beginning of 2025, trained with the professional team for the first time in October and made his debut under Vincent Kompany in January in the 5-0 friendly win at Salzburg.
Talented players born in 2008 or 2009 can now apply to become part of the next World Squad generation by submitting a highlights video. Full details of the application process and terms and conditions can be found HERE.
The journey of these talented players will once again be documented on the @fcbayernpathway Instagram account. The fifth season of FC Bayern World Squad is available to watch on YouTube HERE.
📺 Watch the final episode of the previous season now:
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