Kim Min-jae Excluded From Bundesliga's Team Of The Season

Bayern Munich's central defender Kim Min-jae faced a surprising omission from the Bundesliga's 'Team of the Season' for the 2024/25 campaign, despite displaying top-level performance throughout the league. The league announced this selection on March 24, 2025, revealing the eleven players chosen for their exceptional contributions, but curiously left out Min-jae.

This selection of the 'Team of the Season' was based on fantasy points rather than pure statistical performance. As such, the decision raises eyebrows among fans and analysts, especially considering Bayern's current success, with five of their players making the cut. Bayern Munich stands atop the Bundesliga with an impressive record of 19 wins, 5 draws, and just 2 losses, totaling 62 points overall.

Min-jae has proven himself as an indispensable asset for the squad this season, featuring in a total of 23 Bundesliga matches and starting every one of them. His dedication to the team is reflected in the significant number of over 2,000 minutes he has contributed on the pitch, marking him as the player with the highest playing time among the Bayern defense.

The Bundesliga's pick may have reflected the parameters defined by fantasy football metrics, causing many to question what constitutes an ideal player for such recognition. As one local sports analysis pointed out, "Kim Min-jae has not been overlooked for his abilities, but he was not among the top fantasy point earners." This serves as a stark reminder that performance on the field does not always align with the criteria set for accolades.

In addition to the 'Team of the Season' announcement, Kim Min-jae has recently returned to training with Bayern Munich after a brief absence due to an Achilles tendon injury that kept him from participating in recent national matches. According to reports, the injury is not severe, with expectations growing that he will be back in form in time for their upcoming match against Eintracht Frankfurt.

This training session, held on March 25, 2025, included only those players not called up for their national teams preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Kim's presence at the training signifies his readiness to return to competitive play. With Bayern poised to face Eintracht Frankfurt on March 29, 2025, this match could further solidify their dominant season.

The clash against Eintracht Frankfurt is crucial as Bayern looks to increase its chances of capturing the Bundesliga title. If the team secures a victory, their path to the championship will become substantially clearer, further underscoring the ongoing focus on Min-jae's absence and return.

As the league approaches the final stretch of the season, Bavarians continue to rally behind their team and its players like Min-jae. His playoff mentality and physical contributions are expected to be invaluable in maintaining Bayern’s momentum. Meanwhile, fans continue to express disappointment over his exclusion from the 'Team of the Season', prompting discussions on how such recognitions are determined.

Bayern Munich's season cannot be measured solely by individual accolades; the team success signifies a collective effort, and Min-jae's role at the heart of their defense has been pivotal in achieving such high standings. As the league leader, Bayern is under pressure to maintain its form and finish the season strongly while delivering performances that will redefine expectations for the team and its players.

Ultimately, even if Kim Min-jae did not make it to the Bundesliga's 'Team of the Season', his contributions are undisputed among fans and analysts who recognize his quality on the pitch. The season's concluding phase will demonstrate his resolve and capability as Bayern looks to solidify its legacy in German football.