'Carefree' Lennart Karl looking like Franck Ribery after 17-year-old's historic Champions League goal, says ex-Bayern Munich star

Seventeen-year-old Lennart Karl made history for Bayern Munich in the Champions League, scoring a sensational solo goal on his first start and earning comparisons to Franck Ribery from German legend Didi Hamann. The former Bayern midfielder praised Karl’s “carefree” flair and fearless one-on-one style as the teenager’s breakout performance lit up Europe.

Lennart Karl’s record-breaking night in Europe

Bayern's prodigy Karl announced himself on the European stage in stunning fashion as Bayern cruised to a 4-0 victory over Club Brugge in the Champions League. Making his first start in the competition, Karl became Bayern’s youngest-ever goalscorer in the tournament’s history, surpassing Jamal Musiala’s record.

The moment came inside the opening five minutes when Jonathan Tah slipped a pass to the teenager in midfield. Karl evaded two defenders with his solid footwork before unleashing a curling left-foot shot from outside the box that soared beyond goalkeeper Nordin Jackers. His composure and technique belied his age, sparking wild celebrations with Harry Kane and Aleksandar Pavlovic.

At just 17 years and 242 days, Karl etched his name in the record books and set the tone for Bayern’s dominant night. The Bavarians, unbeaten in all competitions under Vincent Kompany, made it three wins from three in their group with goals from Kane, Luis Diaz and Nicolas Jackson completing the rout.

AdvertisementGetty Images'reminds me of Ribery’ – Hamann’s verdict

Former Bayern star Hamann was among the first to heap praise on the youngster’s dazzling display. Writing in his latest column on , Hamann described Karl as a “carefree” player whose confidence and flair evoke memories of Franck Ribery during his peak years at the Allianz Arena.

“For someone not even 18 to play at this level in the Champions League isn’t something to be taken for granted, and it shows that Karl is highly talented. He also has a healthy sense of self-confidence. I like his boldness in trying new things," Hamann said. “He plays carefree, as if he were on the football pitch. One-on-one, he’s incredibly difficult to stop. He keeps trying, even if he gets stuck. That kind of attitude helps every team. He’s an incredibly interesting player, and his style reminds me of Franck Ribery.” 

Ribery, the former Bayern magician, retired as one of the most adored figures in the club’s modern history. Between 2007 and 2019, he dazzled fans with 86 goals and 120 assists in 273 Bundesliga appearances, combining flair and determination in equal measure.

The Frenchman not only became his country’s all-time record holder for both appearances and goals in the German top flight but also amassed more than 21 trophies with Bayern during a glittering 12-year spell that defined an era alongside Arjen Robben, who was present at Allianz Arena to witness Karl make history.

Kompany urges caution amid growing hype

While Karl’s explosive rise has delighted Bayern fans, boss Kompany was quick to call for calm after the match. The Belgian coach, who has managed the teenager carefully this season, admitted he fears the attention could distract from Karl’s development. “I’m not a fan of hype, and now he will be getting some of that. I’m a fan of training and calm,” Kompany said after the game. “His performance today was good. Everyone knows he can score goals, and if he keeps going like this, he’ll get a chance, but maybe at the right time he’ll need a bit of calm.”

However, Hamann who also highlighted Karl’s growing importance to Kompany’s plans: “Vincent Kompany kept Karl hidden for a while, but after his performance and his goal against Brugge, he can no longer hide him. If Bayern need a goal with half an hour to go, the coach will have to bring him on.”

Karl himself remained grounded despite the buzz surrounding his goal. “I had a good feeling about the situation and then I just had a go. I was just in the zone.” he said, as he held the Man of the Match trophy. 

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Karl’s emergence comes at a crucial time for Germany's record champions, who have sought to rejuvenate their squad under Kompany’s leadership. Alongside Pavlovic and Tom Bischof, the teenager represents the new generation of talent blending into a team still led by experienced stars like Kane, Diaz, Manuel Neuer and Joshua Kimmich.

The Bavarians’ attack has been in record-breaking form this season, with 27 goals after seven Bundesliga games, equalling a club record, and their unbeaten run stretching to 16 matches. Karl’s fearless approach and creativity have added another dimension to their play, offering Kompany tactical flexibility in the wide and central attacking roles.

Bayern now turn their attention back to domestic action, where they face Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga. For Karl, the focus will be on managing expectations as Bayern’s fixture list intensifies. As Bayern push for silverware on multiple fronts, Karl’s breakthrough could prove one of the defining stories of their season. Whether he becomes the next Musiala or the modern-day Ribery, one thing is clear, Bayern’s latest wonderkid has arrived on the biggest stage.