Lennart Karl is one of FC Bayern’s most promising young players. The 18-year-old has made the leap from the academy to the pros. But his career in Munich began with a decision that initially sparked debate within his family. In an interview with DAZN, the forward has now revealed how he convinced his parents to let him join the German record champions.
At just 14 years old, Karl was faced with the question of whether he should leave his hometown and move to the Munich youth academy. While he himself was immediately enthusiastic, his parents were initially hesitant.
“My parents weren’t so convinced, especially my mother,” the youngster recalled.
For Karl, however, it was clear early on which path he wanted to take.
“I’ve always been a Bayern fan.”
Although the forward had several offers at the time, only one club was really an option for him. “But from the very beginning, when Bayern Munich came into the picture, I said that’s where I wanted to go,” Karl said.
His first visit to the Bayern campus, in particular, left a lasting impression on him. “When I saw the campus for the first time, I just told myself: That’s where I want to go, that’s what I’m going to do, and I’m going to see it through.”
But how did the then-14-year-old manage to change his parents’ minds, who were initially skeptical? “Ultimately, it’s my decision. I said that I wanted to go there and play there. I’ve always been a Bayern fan, so I just said that’s what I want to do,” Karl explained.
His determination clearly had an effect. His parents were finally willing to support their son’s wish.
“And then they said they’d think it over again, and if I felt ready, I’d go to boarding school and do it. That’s how it all started.”
At first, Karl struggled with homesickness
For Karl, however, the move to Munich also meant having to stand on his own two feet at an early age.
At just 14 years old, he moved into the FC Bayern boarding school. The early days weren’t exactly easy. “In the first two weeks, I was a little homesick. I wondered how it was all going to work out,” the forward admitted.
The initial difficulties quickly faded, however, as he got to know his new teammates better. “Then I got to know the guys at the boarding school, and after that, everything went pretty fast,” Karl reported.
He has particularly fond memories of the time he spent with the other young players. “Being with the guys every day and playing soccer every day—that was a really, really cool time there.”
Looking back, Karl’s decision has paid off. The 18-year-old has worked his way up through the Bayern Campus all the way to Vincent Kompany’s professional squad.
The fact that he was able to take this path at all was due in no small part to his own determination—and to the fact that his parents ultimately placed their trust in him to pursue his big dream.