Kimmich marks emotional Bayern return after father’s death in Dortmund draw

Joshua Kimmich made his return for Bayern Munich in the 2-2 draw with Borussia Dortmund after missing three competitive matches following the death of his father.

The 31-year-old midfielder acknowledged the personal difficulty of the occasion after playing in the German Klassiker, saying the match offered only a brief respite from the grief he had been experiencing.

“It has been an extremely difficult week,” Kimmich told Sky after the game. “I am pleased to be back on the pitch. It was not easy at all, but at least during the match you can forget about it for a short time.”

Asked whether returning to football would help him through the period, Kimmich replied: “Yes, definitely.”

He also thanked Bayern Munich and the German Football Association for the support they had shown him and his family. Representatives of the German Football Association attended his father’s funeral.

“I also have to praise the compassion of the club and the way they stood by me, as well as the German Football Association, who came to the funeral,” Kimmich said. “That meant a great deal to me and my family.”

He added: “It shows me that I am exactly in the right place here.”

Kimmich’s comments carry particular significance because of his previous criticism of Bayern Munich during the coronavirus vaccination debate. In a documentary broadcast by ZDF in 2024, he said he had felt abandoned by the club during that period.

His public appreciation of Bayern’s support following his father’s death therefore represents a notable contrast with those earlier remarks.

Kimmich also addressed Bayern Munich’s situation on the pitch, with the squad affected by a number of injuries. The draw with Borussia Dortmund saw him return as the team continued to deal with those absences.

“When you look at our injuries today, you realise that, ultimately, the most important thing is to stay healthy,” he said.