Moritz Mosandl has endured the kind of misfortune no footballer should have to go through. The 23-year-old has suffered 3 separate ACL tears, forcing him into multiple surgeries, consistent rehab and a total of 3 and a half years on the sidelines, recuperating and hoping to finally return to the pitch. Bayern stood by his side the entire time, renewing his contract despite his injured status on multiple occasions. Mosandl did finally make that return on the final matchday of the Regionalliga Bayern season
with the U-23s in the 2024/25 season, coming on as a substitute.
The reaction from the fans, team, coaches and Mosandl himself told the whole story: Everyone was overcome with emotions and overjoyed that the youngster could finally return to action.
But, it seems, deep down Mosandl knew he could not go on like this. Making a comeback and then getting injured and spending months on the sidelines just makes little sense. With that in mind, he retired from his footballing career in 2025 following his final game with the U-23s. However, Bayern decided to retain Mosandl and offered him a position as a student trainee in scouting.
In typical Bayern fashion, however, they did not make this official until 2026. After Bayern finally announced the retirement and Mosandl’s new role at the club via their official website, the player also sat down to talk about his playing career and what he is currently working towards:
Mosi, almost a year ago you ended your career after a long period of suffering. How do you look back on that time today?
“Now I have a certain sense of calm. Right after the decision, it wasn’t easy. Football was my life, my great passion, and my childhood dream. But now I can say that I’ve made peace with it. I tried everything, and therefore I can’t blame myself. Of course, I would have wished for a different outcome, but I can accept the situation and am now looking forward to what lies ahead.”How difficult was it for you to say goodbye back then?
“Very difficult. It wasn’t a decision I made overnight. I participated in pre-season training one last time, hoping my body could still handle the strain. But I quickly realized I was spending more time on the physio’s bench than on the training pitch. At some point, I had to admit to myself that it had simply become too much of a physical and mental strain. That’s when I made the decision to hang up my boots.”How emotional was the moment you told the team your decision?
“Very. I was at FC Bayern for nine years, and I’d known many of my teammates forever. Teammates had become friends. When I stood in the locker room and told everyone that it was over, that was a very special moment. That’s when you really realize that a chapter of your life is coming to an end. But I received an incredible amount of support. Everyone hugged me and wished me all the best. That really means a lot.”After three ACL tears, many months without a ball, and several setbacks: What was the most difficult phase?
“Definitely the time after the second ACL tear. I was in rehab for almost two years straight and had to undergo several operations. That was brutal mentally. There were constant setbacks, and you felt like you just weren’t making any progress. The mental strain was much greater than the pain. There were days when you really had to force yourself to even go back to rehab.”What gave you strength during this time?
“Above all, my family, my friends, and my girlfriend. They never put me under pressure and always made me feel like they had my back – no matter what I decided. My girlfriend, in particular, experienced everything firsthand. We’ve lived together for several years, she witnessed the difficult days, and always supported me. I’m incredibly grateful to her for that. And FC Bayern was always there, too. I never felt alone. The club gave me the time I needed, extended my contracts, and always supported me. Furthermore, my advisors were always behind me and will continue to support me on my journey beyond the end of my playing career.”Last year, after more than 1300 days, you were allowed to wear the amateur team jersey one last time in the final home game of the season. What does this comeback mean to you today, a year later?
“A great deal. Of course, I wasn’t 100% aware at the time that it would be my last game as a footballer – although I had a premonition. Today, I’m simply grateful that I was able to experience this moment. To put on this jersey again after three and a half years, to sit in the locker room with the lads and to be on the pitch – it almost felt like a debut all over again. I think I perceived and enjoyed every single moment much more consciously. In retrospect, I’m glad that I got this send-off.”After the end of your playing career, you remained with FC Bayern. What happened next for you?
“After retiring from professional sports, I took some time for myself to process everything. After nine years as a player, it wasn’t easy to suddenly draw a line under it all. I’m all the more grateful that I can continue to be part of the club. Since the spring, I’ve been working as a student trainee in scouting at the FC Bayern Campus. I’m truly delighted that the club has given me this opportunity.”What appeals to you about this role?
“Football has always been my passion and always will be. Of course, it’s different when you’re no longer on the pitch yourself. But I realize that I can contribute my experience from my playing days. I understand a player’s perspective, I know how certain situations feel, and how important some details are. That makes the work incredibly exciting. And honestly, I also really enjoy being around the campus. I know so many people here; I’ve spent almost half my life here. It just feels familiar. I’m happy that I’ve remained connected to the community and can continue to contribute in a different way.”Can you imagine working in this field long-term?
“Absolutely. I’m studying business administration and want to develop further in this area. Scouting is incredibly exciting and I’m happy to be able to gain initial experience there.”Looking back on the past few years, do you feel more pride or disappointment?
“I think it’s mostly gratitude. Of course, I would have liked the story to end differently. But I was fortunate enough to play for FC Bayern for nine years, met many special people, and experienced so much. Injuries are unfortunately part of the game, even though they hurt. But I can say today that I gave it my all and have nothing to reproach myself for. And perhaps that’s the most important thing: that you don’t measure your dream by how it ends, but by how much you were able to experience along the way. So far, it has been a challenging but also exciting journey, and I’m sure it will continue that way.”
BFW Analysis
Few players can claim to have suffered these kinds of setbacks in their entire career. For a 23-year-old to have to go through all of that is nearly entirely unfathomable. That Mosandl worked his way back to play one more time is already incredible and the way he has adapted to this unfortunate situation, turning it into an opportunity to further his career, speaks to his mental strength. There are other who have had to cut their footballing careers very short due to injury but have found ways to remain in football in other capacities. Perhaps Mosandl can do the same long term.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
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