Bayern Munich’s teenage sensation Lennart Karl continues to make European football sit up and take notice. The 17-year-old attacking midfielder was once again at the heart of the action as Bayern defeated Sporting Lisbon 3–1 in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night, marking another record-breaking moment in his extraordinary rise.
Lennart Karl thought he had given Bayern the perfect start when he found the net inside five minutes, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. Undeterred, the youngster stayed involved throughout, displaying the composure and sharp instincts that have already made him one of Europe’s most exciting prospects.
After Serge Gnabry equalised early in the second half to cancel out Sporting’s opener, Karl produced the decisive moment of quality. Meeting a cross from Konrad Laimer, the teenager controlled the ball superbly before volleying home on the bounce — a finish full of confidence and technical class.
The goal not only put Bayern in front but also placed Karl in the Champions League record books. Having previously scored against Club Brugge and Arsenal, he became the youngest player ever to score in three consecutive Champions League appearances.
Unsurprisingly, Karl was named UEFA’s Player of the Match, with praise flooding in from all corners of the footballing world.
Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany lauded the youngster’s maturity and knack for delivering in crucial moments.
“Lenny is always dangerous,” Kompany said. “To be completely honest, he’s had better games, but four or five times he’s always there when it matters. He gets his moments — and then he just kills.”
Kompany added:
“He can score with both feet, he can head the ball, and most importantly, he has that instinct you can’t teach. Our job is just to guide him.”
Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl echoed the sentiment, describing Karl as “a player with that special something” who has already become “extremely important” to the squad.
Karl himself was characteristically modest after the match:
“I’m just very happy right now,” he said. “I’m learning so much every week from players like Harry Kane and Joshua Kimmich. They make the game easier for me — it’s all about teamwork and improving together.”
Having made his Germany U21 debut in November, Lennart Karl is now being tipped for a rapid promotion to the senior national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Germany captain Kimmich summed up the growing belief:
“If you’re starting for Bayern right now, you belong in the national team conversation — and Lenny certainly does.”
Lennart Karl will look to continue his sparkling form when Bayern host Mainz on Sunday, as his remarkable story shows no sign of slowing down.
