'Not normal' - Vincent Kompany attempts to calm 'hype' surrounding record-breaking Bayern Munich teenager Lennart Karl after impressive Champions League goal

Bayern looked every bit the European powerhouse on Wednesday night, easing to a 4-0 victory over Brugge at the Allianz Arena. From the first whistle, the German champions dictated the tempo, pressing high and carving open spaces with fluid combinations. 17-year-old Karl, in the starting XI for just the third time this season, stunned the crowd within five minutes. Picking up the ball near the edge of the box, he weaved past two defenders and unleashed a curling left-footed strike into the top corner. The goal made Karl the youngest German and youngest Bayern player ever to score in the Champions League, etching his name in the club’s history books.

As the night went on, Bayern only tightened their grip. Harry Kane doubled the lead shortly after with his trademark precision, Luis Diaz added a third before half-time, and Chelsesa-loanee Nicolas Jackson sealed the result late in the game.

On the sidelines, Kompany’s reaction to Karl’s goal wasn’t one of exuberance but of quiet satisfaction as hails Karl's performance but urges him to stay focused on his path.

The post-match atmosphere was filled with excitement over Karl’s dream debut. Yet, the Belgian coach chose to anchor the conversation in perspective.

"This isn't normal. I'm not a fan of the hype he'll get now. I'm a fan of training and calm. We'll see what he shows and just move on," said Kompany in a post-match press conference.

It was a classic Kompany approach, acknowledging brilliance without letting emotion overshadow discipline. Since arriving at Bayern, the former Manchester City captain has emphasised the value of consistency, teamwork, and development over instant stardom.

Karl himself echoed that maturity beyond his years. "It's a lot of fun with the boys, everything is working out and I can learn a lot here," he said. "I have to build on that now and not stop just because I've scored a goal. I'm the type of player: I take my shots, I'm not afraid of my opponent. Now that I've scored the first goal, a lot of people are looking at me. But I don't really feel any pressure."

With their latest win over Brugge, the German giants maintain their perfect Champions League start, securing nine points to put them level with Paris Saint-Germain on both points and goal difference.

Karl’s rise through German football has been a story of steady progress and sharp discipline. The winger began his journey at Viktoria Aschaffenburg in Germany's Hessenliga, Germany's fifth tier league, where his close control and instinctive movement quickly set him apart. He moved to Eintracht Frankfurt’s youth setup in 2017, gaining exposure to more competitive systems before returning briefly to Viktoria in 2022.

Bayern signed him later that year, impressed by his maturity and technical intelligence. The transition was not immediate with Karl having to adapt to the physicality and tactical demands of the youth academy. But during the 2024-25 season, his performances became impossible to ignore. With 17 goals and eight assists in just nine appearances for Bayern’s U17 Nachwuchsliga Group F, Kompany’s staff promoted him to first-team training early in the 2025 campaign. What followed was a meteoric rise where he debuted at the Club World Cup in June, followed by his first Bundesliga appearance, and finally, the unforgettable Champions League night against Brugge.

The victory over Brugge capped off an important week for Bayern, as the club announced the extension of Kompany’s contract until June 2029. The deal, kept entirely under wraps until official confirmation, signals deep trust in Kompany’s project.

With the manager's future confirmed, Bayern are now focusing on two vital contract renewals: Kane and Dayot Upamecano. Kane, who has had a phenomenal start with 20 goals in 12 games, is reportedly keen to extend his deal. Meanwhile, discussions with Upamecano are ongoing, centering primarily on his salary. Coach Kompany's influence will be essential in aligning the players' performance expectations with the club's long-term financial stability. And for Karl, the goal that stunned Europe might just be the beginning of a carefully guided rise, not a momentary spark.