The 6th edition of Bayern Munich’s World Squad project recently ended, with the camp ending in a 2-1 defeat to Bayern’s U-19s. If one wishes to learn about the Bayern World Squad, one can read about it here. The TLDR is Bayern chooses a squad of 23-26 U-19 players for a month long training camp, in which the children visit different countries, cultures and teams to play, working together to culminate in a final showdown against Bayern’s U-19s. The players are either chosen from videos submissions
the players themselves send of their best skills, outstanding players of the Global Academy or repeat members from last year’s World Squad.
Heading the project since 2023 is former Bayern striker and icon Roy Makaay, who was joined by another former Bayern player Diego Contento in the coaching staff in 2024. Given Contento’s role in the Global Academy, he is an important link between that project and the World Squad. Before the most recent edition of the project ended, the duo sat down with Bayern to discuss this year’s plans. The club’s official website has the transcript:
Roy and Diego, what does it mean to you to be part of this special project again in the sixth World Squad season?
Roy Makaay: “I’m very proud I get to act as an FC Bayern brand ambassador and coach the World Squad for the fourth time. It’s always a lot of fun, even though the weeks are very intense and challenging each time. After the four weeks, I always board the plane satisfied. For me, it has nothing to do with the results but above all with the players’ development.”
Diego Contento: “It’s a great honour to be part of this project. The World Squad is a unique platform for young talents, and I’m glad I get to accompany them on their journey.”
What are your first impressions of this year’s World Squad players? Which talents have impressed you the most or have great potential?
Roy Makaay: “I think it’s always difficult to say one player is stronger than another after one training session. That’s why we’ll have a few days to settle in again so that the lads get used to us, to one another and to the training conditions. You only get a proper first impression after two or three training sessions. But what we can say is that we have a very young squad with some players born in 2009 or 2010. That’s always good because there are a lot of candidates who could be part of it again next year. Once the players from Korea, Japan and India join us, the whole group will be together, and we can make an assessment then. But I’m satisfied with how things went on the first day.”
Diego Contento: “Very positive. The group has a lot of quality, energy and willingness to learn. The potential is definitely there, now it’s about showing it on the pitch together.”
What’s your main focus in this early phase of the project, from the first few training sessions to the first game?
Diego Contento: “Getting to know each other, team spirit and the foundations of our play. We want to quickly grow together as a team.”
The World Squad is travelling to South Korea this year. Which footballing challenges and cultural experiences await the team there?
Roy Makaay: “In terms of sport, we have tough opponents in South Korea. We’ll take on three Korean teams, we know from previous years that Korean players are very well-trained. That’s why we’re expecting tough matches. But the results aren’t the main thing for us. Our main goal is to have a team of players who’ve given it their all and grown together as a unit after the four weeks. All the players will have the chance to show what they’ve got.”
In addition to football, we want to take away some cultural insights too of course. The team will first be on Jeju Island, where we’ll try to soak up impressions of the country and the culture between training sessions and games. Shared experiences are also part of it because they strengthen the team spirit and make the time special for the lads.”
How important are international experiences like this for the players’ development – in terms of football, personally and as a team?
Diego Contento: ”In terms of sport, intense and challenging matches await. And it’s a great chance to get to know a new culture and gain valuable experience as a team.”
Roy Makaay: “I’ve been to many countries but never to South Korea, so it’s something new for me too. What makes it so exciting is that the lads hardly know one another. That’s what makes this project special: forming a team from many characters with different backgrounds in a short amount of time. We also try to mix them up in everyday life because it’s about growing together quickly – both on and off the pitch. It’s a nice challenge, but I know from previous years it usually happens very quickly once training begins. On top of that, there will be new impressions, different conditions and being far away from home. It’s always exciting to see how the players adapt and develop during this time.”
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