Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich has signed a contract extension with the Bundesliga giants, committing his future to the club until June 30, 2029. The announcement, made on Thursday, March 13, 2025, ends months of speculation about the Germany captain’s future and solidifies his status as a cornerstone of Bayern’s squad as they aim to maintain their dominance in German and European football.
Kimmich, who joined Bayern from VfB Stuttgart via RB Leipzig in the summer of 2015, has been a pivotal figure for the club over the past decade. The 30-year-old’s previous contract was set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season, prompting rumors of potential moves to top European clubs, including Arsenal, Barcelona, and Real Madrid. However, Kimmich has chosen to remain in Munich, citing the club’s environment as the ideal setting for achieving his sporting ambitions.
“At FC Bayern, I have the best environment to achieve my sporting goals,” Kimmich said in a statement released by the club. “For me at the moment, there is no better package of teammates, coaching staff, and club environment in order to achieve maximum success. I feel at home here, and I am not finished yet.” His decision reflects a deep connection to Bayern, where he has won eight Bundesliga titles, three DFB Cups, the 2020 Champions League, and numerous other honors, including the FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.
The extension comes as Bayern Munich continue to reshape their squad under head coach Vincent Kompany, who took over in the summer of 2024. Kimmich has thrived in a central midfield role this season, a shift from the right-back position he often occupied under previous manager Thomas Tuchel. His performances have been instrumental in Bayern’s strong start to the 2024-25 campaign, with the team currently leading the Bundesliga by eight points over defending champions Bayer Leverkusen and advancing to the Champions League quarterfinals against Inter Milan.
Bayern’s leadership expressed their delight at securing Kimmich’s future. Club president Herbert Hainer praised the midfielder’s leadership qualities, stating, “FC Bayern needs players who not only bear the shirt but also responsibility—on and off the pitch. And Joshua Kimmich is one of those players.” CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen echoed this sentiment, adding, “He is someone who always leads from the front, be it at the club or as Germany captain. His hunger is unbroken, as we saw again in the Champions League round of 16. His determination and his commitment embody what FC Bayern stand for.”
The negotiations for Kimmich’s extension were not without drama. Reports in late February indicated that Bayern had withdrawn an initial contract offer due to the player’s hesitation, with the club seeking a definitive commitment. However, subsequent discussions proved fruitful, and Kimmich’s decision to stay was influenced by several factors, including the recent contract extensions of teammates Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies. In an interview with *Süddeutsche Zeitung*, Kimmich admitted that waiting for those deals to be finalized was intentional, as he wanted clarity on the team’s future prospects.
“That was intentional,” Kimmich said when asked about the timing of his decision. “I wanted to be able to assess the team’s prospects, and I think the contract extensions with Jamal and Alphonso show that Bayern are building something special for the coming years.” He also highlighted the trust placed in him by Kompany, who has made Kimmich a central figure in his tactical setup. “Vincent Kompany told me in our first conversation that he sees me as a central player in defensive midfield. ‘If you’re the best, you’ll play there,’ he said. Of course, I had to prove his trust with my performances.”
Financially, the new deal is reported to include a pay rise, with Kimmich’s annual gross salary increasing from approximately €19 million to around €22 million, making him Bayern’s third-highest earner behind Musiala and Harry Kane. Additionally, he will receive a signing bonus, though it is said to be lower than the one awarded to Davies due to age differences. Despite the lucrative terms, Kimmich emphasized that his decision was driven by sporting ambition rather than financial gain. “Money is a factor, of course, but the most important question for me was the sporting perspective—where do I have the best chance of regularly competing for the Champions League and playing a key role in influencing the team,” he explained.
Kimmich’s extension is a significant coup for Bayern as they navigate a transitional period following a trophyless 2023-24 season, their first in over a decade. With the Champions League final set to be held at Munich’s Allianz Arena in May 2025, the club is determined to reclaim their status as Europe’s elite. Kimmich, widely regarded as a future captain following Manuel Neuer’s eventual retirement, is expected to play a pivotal role in that pursuit.
For Bayern fans, the news is a cause for celebration. Kimmich’s 429 competitive appearances for the club have yielded 43 goals and 115 assists, and his versatility, work rate, and leadership have made him a fan favorite. As he approaches his 10-year anniversary with Bayern this summer, the midfielder remains focused on adding to his already impressive legacy. “Munich has become our home,” he said, referring to his family’s comfort in the city. “I’m having fun leading the way and pushing the young players in the team. I’m not done yet.”