Jamal Musiala exclusive: ‘Ronaldinho, Messi, Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo were untouchable in my eyes’ - The Athletic

Guests arriving at Munich's FGV Schmidle studios in mid-May encountered strict secrecy protocols for an undisclosed project involving footballer Jamal Musiala. Attendees surrendered phones with camera lenses covered, signed binding confidentiality agreements, and adhered to a no-leaks policy under tightly drawn curtains.

Two months later during Bayern Munich's Club World Cup quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain, Musiala suffered a catastrophic leg injury. After chasing a loose ball and colliding, his foot twisted abnormally, resulting in a broken fibula, fractured ankle, and ruptured ligaments amid intense pain and distress.

The previously guarded secret was revealed: Musiala features as a cover star for EA SPORTS FC 26 alongside Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham. This explains the earlier Munich filming session where Musiala appeared happy and engaged during promotional shoots.

Musiala expressed profound personal significance about the cover, recalling childhood gaming sessions where he idolized players like Messi and Ronaldo. "I'd watch their skills then practice in the park," he shared. "Being selected feels surreal—a dream achieved after imagining my idols in this position."

The celebratory reveal coincided with Musiala's challenging recovery from surgery. Doctors estimate his return to play no earlier than November, casting the honor against a backdrop of rehabilitation and uncertainty.

Via social media, Musiala thanked supporters for their messages following his injury: "The surgery went well. I'm in good care and will use this period to rebuild my strength and positivity."