The exclusive interview in MARCA will partly help fans better understand Jamal Musiala’s life as well as his promise to move to La Liga to play football in the near future.
Reporter: With your playing style, you should have been a Spaniard. Do you think you are one of the most Latin German players? Kind of like Leverkusen’s Wirtz.
Musiala: German football also has many players who are rich in technique and have the ability to create good mutations. Some special and young players like Wirtz can bring out their creativity in every match and the Bundesliga audience seems to be fascinated by that. The modern football environment increasingly allows German players to demonstrate more of their individual technical qualities.
Reporter: How did you get those outstanding skills?
Musiala: I’ve been practicing since I was a kid, in my backyard, on the street or in the park. I play football very naturally with my father and with my friends. In general, I always play soccer when I can. I spent many hours trying to figure out how to dribble past my dad and I think all those trials helped me a lot. He always reminded me that if you only practice at the club you will not be successful, you will not be able to become an excellent player if you do not work harder than others.
And practicing extra hours has helped me improve myself day by day. The more times I repeat difficult movements, the more comfortable I feel when competing.
Reporter: Where would the most ideal position for you be? Number 10 or winger?
Musiala: Of course it’s number 10, or else the left wing is fine. I feel quite good playing in these two positions. As a number 10, I can cover the game better and execute direct attack ideas towards the opponent’s goal. Actually, I also played as a central midfielder and a right wing midfielder/striker. The important thing is what you will learn from each position and how the experiences will help you build your playing style.
Reporter: The number 10 shirt of the German national team currently belongs to you. So when did you become really passionate about this number?
Musiala: Since I was young, I have seen many famous players wearing the number 10 shirt and it has always been my dream. I grew up with images of Ronaldinho, Neymar or Messi. They all wore the number 10 shirt and in my heart, I always thought that wearing the number 10 shirt one day would be a dream.
Reporter: Who was your favorite player when you were young?
Musiala: There is no doubt, it is Messi and Ronaldinho. I’ve watched a lot of videos about them. I used to wear Zidane’s shirt when I was very young, he was number 10 of the French national team.
Reporter: But the biggest idol is still Messi, right?
Musiala: Oh yes, I admire Leo and am completely captivated by him. Players like Leo or Neymar know how to bring joy and entertainment to football. I often pause videos to watch how they play, Leo’s goals or Neymar’s moves. Then I will run to the garden and try to imitate it. I have always been a huge fan of them.
Reporter: Messi and you are both quiet people and don’t like attracting attention. But with the ball, you guys are truly the best on the field.
Musiala: Maybe I’m a reserved person and don’t like to talk too much. On the field, I always want to touch the ball a lot, it will be better that way. I think my personality really comes out when I play football. In fact, I am also an open person. Sometimes I can be quiet on the field but I always try to communicate to my teammates exactly what I want.
Reporter: Messi has won 12 national championships and the Champions League 4 times. At the age of 21, he has won the Bundesliga 4 times and has 1 Champions League. Do you think you will surpass your idol?
Musiala: I don’t know. Comparing yourself to Messi is completely impossible. Instead, I will try to pursue my career and work hard to improve. Titles are part of football and motivate me to try my best to contribute to my team.
Reporter: Can you share a little about Jude Bellingham, who played with you for many years in the England youth teams?
Musiala: Those were really great years. We understood each other and played the best football. We are roommates and have always maintained a great relationship. I’m very happy with what he is doing at Real Madrid at the moment.
Reporter: Are you surprised by Jude’s success at Real?
Musiala: Not at all. As a young player, he always kept himself mentally strong. He believes in himself and is never afraid to face big challenges. Therefore, I was not surprised to see Jude shine at Real Madrid. The beginning will be a good premise and he will need to be patient to continue towards greater success. I’ve known Jude since he was little.
Reporter: Now you will have the opportunity to face Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the Champions League. What do you think about your reunion with Jude?
Musiala: I’m really looking forward to these two matches. Jude and I both dreamed of playing these types of matches since we were young.
Reporter: You are a skillful player with the ball at your feet, but would you dare to compete in a long pass with… Toni Kroos?
Musiala: I would never bet on this challenge because everyone knows Toni is a real passing expert. He can make every pass perfect with his right foot.
Reporter: What will happen when Kroos is your teammate?
Musiala: He knows how to put the ball in the right position, away from the defender so you can turn, pass or dribble. So far I’ve only played two games with Kroos but I’ve seen his top qualities. I feel really excited knowing that I can play with him at the upcoming EURO.
Reporter: Will Germany’s dream of winning EURO at home be more feasible with Kroos in the squad?
Musiala: That’s right. Kroos can contribute to the team with excellent passes. But it’s important that we become a truly unified team, know how to overcome each match and show positive emotions on the football field. Recently, there have been many teams that have played at a better level than us. However, that’s not too big of a problem. The German team has every right to dream of entering this year’s EURO.
Reporter: In your opinion, which team will be the top candidate for the EURO 2024 championship?
Musiala: France will probably be the more serious opponent. England also has many high-class players, while Spain is also extremely unpredictable with excellent stars. It will be very interesting to follow the tournament because there are always one or two teams that can surprise. Opportunities will be for all teams, I think.
Reporter: How do you evaluate the Spanish team’s squad?
Musiala: They have the best young players in Europe like Lamine, Gavi or Cubarsi… I met Lamine, he is an extraordinary talent. And of course, Spain’s midfield is out of the question, with people like Pedri. Just looking at the list is enough to see that Spain is always a team that deserves respect from all opponents.
Reporter: OK, so if I want to mention Rudiger, what would you say about him?
Musiala: Well I would say he’s a real “crazy guy” but also a great defender, a good person in real life. He’s really funny. Toni can make you feel bored when you have to face him on the field but in real life he is extremely cheerful. When playing against Toni, he will try to make you uncomfortable to play football but outside of life, he is one of the nicest people I have ever met. I want him by my side in every match.
Reporter: You are also one of Nike’s symbols along with Haaland and Mbappe. Does this mean anything to you?
Musiala: Yes, it is truly an honor to be part of the “magic triangle” with two of the world’s top stars. I am representing the “Tiempo” shoes, which demonstrate technical qualities in football. Maybe people have forgotten that “Tiempo” used to be Ronaldinho’s shoes. And now, “Tiempo’ is also seen as a symbol for offensive players. I feel proud to be part of Nike’s “magic triangle”.
Reporter: What do you think about yourself in 5 years?
Musiala: I don’t want to talk about the future. Instead, I just want to focus on the present. Football is what’s happening and my only challenge is to try to get better every day. However, I also hope I will become a more complete player in the next 5 years. That means I’ll have to work really hard. Besides, titles are also part of football. I want to be able to win every victory with my club and national team.