Expert insists: Bayern gem Lennart Karl must go to the 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

Lennart Karl is causing quite a hype at FC Bayern. After his record-breaking goal in the Champions League, the 17-year-old is now being mentioned as a potential candidate for the 2026 World Cup.

“My opinion: Lennart Karl must go to the World Cup! What do you think?” wrote Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg on his social media channels.

He added: “Provided he gets more playing time. Keeps this boldness. Dribbles. Scores. Assists. Demands. The greatest talent I’ve seen at FC Bayern since Jamal Musiala.”

Plettenberg also expressed his conviction that national coach Julian Nagelsmann will “test the youngster in November or at the latest in March.”

Manuel Neuer tempers the hype

After the 4-0 win against Brugge, Manuel Neuer was also asked by Plettenberg about Karl and the 2026 World Cup. However, the captain urged calm: “There’s still a way for him to go, but I believe the future is open for him, of course, to head in that direction. But as I said, it’s a long road. I think he shouldn’t think about it now, but rather about his football, how he can play it with us. He’s doing that very well. In my opinion, he’s also very down-to-earth, so I don’t think we need to worry.”

Previously, the forward had personally kicked off his record night against Brugge – a solid finish from about 18 meters for the 1-0. This made the 17-year-old doubly inscribed in the history books: youngest German scorer in Champions League history and at the same time the youngest CL scorer for FC Bayern. Coach Vincent Kompany surprisingly trusted him in the starting lineup – the courage paid off early.

Karl: “I don’t feel pressure”

In the Bundesliga, Karl has already accumulated minutes, assisted a goal in the 4-1 win at Hoffenheim, and was named “Man of the Match” after the European Cup gala performance. He remained cool at the microphone: “I’m very happy about the goal, about my performance. I’m a type of player who isn’t afraid and takes his shots. It’s just fun with the team.”

He further added: “Now I’ve scored my first goal, now many are watching me. But I don’t feel pressure. I have to build on this, just keep going.”

In Munich, they are likely trying to temper the hype around Lennart Karl for now. But if his development continues at this pace, national coach Julian Nagelsmann will hardly be able to overlook the youngster.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.