Jamal Musiala Balances Football with Other Passions
FC Bayern player Jamal Musiala is known for his skills on the pitch, but few people know about his other passions. The 23-year-old has a background in martial arts and enjoys golf, as well as writing poetry. This curiosity is central to Garden Theory, a new Google Pixel campaign that explores how to make space for things beyond professional sport.
Musiala's interests have always extended beyond football. He played table tennis and basketball alongside football as a child, and these experiences feed back into his game. 'I take a lot from other sports and bring it into my game,' he says. 'It all connects.'
When asked whether having multiple passions is something he has discovered with age, Musiala responds that he's always been that way. He wants to preserve his curiosity, gratitude, sport, and ability to enjoy himself.
'I try to stay aware of what football means to people,' he says. 'Not forgetting who you are, what you stand for. Staying grateful for all of it.'