Jamal Musiala took center stage in Bayern Munich’s 5-0 win over Bodø/Glimt. After a difficult stretch, the 23-year-old made his return to the starting lineup and immediately scored the crucial 1-0 goal. But somewhat overshadowed by Musiala’s return, another Bayern star also made a remarkable statement: Alphonso Davies.
The Canadian scored a spectacular goal in the 77th minute to make it 3–0. For Davies, it was far more than just another goal in a decisive Champions League victory. After numerous injuries and a difficult past season, the 25-year-old made his return to the big stage.
The fact that Davies has to fight for his starting spot at all would have been almost unimaginable a few years ago. With his tremendous speed, explosive bursts, and attacking dynamism, he was at times one of the most eye-catching left-backs in Europe. During the 2020 Champions League triumph, he was one of Munich’s rising stars.
But those days are now several years behind him. Injuries repeatedly prevented Davies from finding his rhythm on a consistent basis. The once nearly untouchable starter has become a player who must earn his spot all over again.
Brown is turning up the heat on Davies
On top of that, FC Bayern significantly increased the competition on the left side this summer. Nathaniel Brown transferred from Eintracht Frankfurt to Munich for around 50 million euros.
So far, Vincent Kompany has mostly deployed the new signing further up the field, and due to the team’s personnel situation, he has even filled in at the number 10 position. However, his actual position remains that of left back.
Against Bodø/Glimt, Brown sat on the bench for the entire 90 minutes. Davies, on the other hand, started the game and made the most of his opportunity. His goal to make it 3–0 was a reminder of the qualities that once propelled him to the top of European soccer.
His speed, in particular, remains a special weapon. Davies can surge from his own half into the opponent’s danger zone in a matter of moments, thereby adding an element to Bayern’s play that is difficult to replace.
Competition from Brown, however, is likely to ensure that the Canadian cannot afford any prolonged slumps.
Above all, Davies now needs consistency.
The fact that Davies is even able to play at this level again is anything but a given, given his numerous setbacks. In March 2025, while playing for the Canadian national team, he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, along with cartilage damage. After his long hiatus, further physical issues prevented him from consistently returning to his previous form.
The 2026 World Cup on home soil also didn’t go as hoped for Canada’s captain. Due to injury, Davies was only able to play in one match.
The long period of suffering also took a mental toll. Davies later admitted that he initially played more cautiously after his return. “I wasn’t playing like myself,” he said on his YouTube channel.
This makes successes like the one against Bodø/Glimt all the more important. Davies still possesses skills that make him particularly valuable to FC Bayern. At the same time, his situation has changed. In Brown, there is a top-tier competitor who is also likely to stake a claim to the left side of the defense in the long term.