For Alphonso Davies, the evening against Sporting Lisbon was more than just a game – it was a return to a footballing life that had eluded him for over 261 days. When the Canadian was substituted in the 88th minute, the entire Allianz Arena rose to its feet. 75,000 fans celebrated the moment, which Davies absorbed with a quiet but visible smile. While he himself did not want to say much about his emotions, others did – and the response was clear.
Joshua Kimmich spoke clearly after the final whistle about the importance of the comeback: „He gives us a lot, both on and off the pitch. It was difficult for him, but he kept bringing positive energy. The way he went through his rehab – that’s exemplary, outstanding,“ praised the vice-captain.
In a phase in which FC Bayern is dependent on stability both in terms of sport and personnel, Davis‘ return has come at the right time, not only in sporting terms but also on a personal level.
Coach Vincent Kompany emphasised the emotional dimension of the moment. „These are good moments for us. These are the important stories,“ he said on DAZN. For a club that is used to winning, a comeback moment like this is a rarely valuable boost. „When you’ve been out for nine months, you enjoy every game, every point so much more. We need that.“ Kompany expects Davies to „come back very strongly“ despite the long break. The defensive player is under no pressure, but the coach is convinced: „My feeling is that he will simply come back better from this injury.“
Davies back in a Bayern shirt – and probably stronger than ever
Sporting director Max Eberl was also moved: „It’s just nice for him to have got a taste of his first minutes back. Rehab like that, eight, nine months – it’s extremely taxing on the mind,“ said the 52-year-old.
After Hiroki Ito, Davies is the second long-term injured player to return, with Jamal Musiala set to follow in January. „Then we’ll basically have three new signings,“ added Eberl – an indication of the value the internal returnees currently have for Munich’s planning.
The 25-year-old suffered a serious injury on 23 March while playing for Canada and tore a cruciate ligament. An injury that can shake up careers – but Davies looked fresh, focused and full of energy in his short time at the club. He has played for FC Bayern since 2019 and extended his contract until 2030 in February. He has now played 227 competitive matches, but hardly any of them have felt as special as this one.
For Davies, it was the end of months of rehab, for Bayern it was an emotional win – and perhaps the start of a chapter that could be stronger than the one before. The winger is back. And the joy could hardly be greater.