Matthias Ginter became world champion in the summer of 2014 – at the age of just 20. Although the then SC Freiburg defender did not make an appearance at the tournament in Brazil, he was still regarded as one of Germany’s most promising defensive talents. After winning the title, a move was on the cards for him – and it almost led to FC Bayern
In the Copa TS podcast, Ginter looked back on this decisive summer of his career, revealing that several top clubs were courting him. „I spoke to Lucien Favre on the phone, to Jürgen Klopp and also met with Matthias Sammer once, who was Bayern’s sporting director at the time,“ said the central defender
Bayern withdrew
Particularly explosive from Munich’s point of view: FC Bayern were also specifically interested in Ginter. A meeting with the then sporting director Sammer underlines how serious the interest must have been. But in the end, things turned out differently
„Bayern then more or less withdrew,“ Ginter continued. The reason was apparently the strategic orientation of the Munich defense. „At the time, they were looking for a very young or an experienced number 4 central defender. Bayern then chose an experienced one with Mehdi Benatia.“
The decision was made against talent – and in favor of experience. Benatia came to Säbener Straße from AS Roma, while Ginter ultimately opted for Borussia Dortmund
Looking back, that summer marked a turning point in Ginter’s career. The move to BVB gave him valuable experience on the international stage, followed later by spells at Borussia Mönchengladbach and again at SC Freiburg. The young world champion without appearances became a seasoned Bundesliga professional and international (51 appearances, 2 goals).