The Franz Beckenbauer Supercup opened the German season with Bayern Munich once again looking inevitable. Despite Stuttgart’s late consolation, Vincent Kompany’s side impressed in a 2-1 win without Jamal Musiala. Harry Kane opened the scoring but warned that Bayern’s roster feels thin after the exits of Leroy Sané, Kingsley Coman, and Thomas Müller, with only Luis Díaz arriving so far. The Colombian winger scored the winner and showed signs of being Bayern’s most dangerous wide player since Franck Ribéry. Bayern are still chasing reinforcements, including Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade, though his club insist he will not move.
The champions’ chances are boosted by upheaval at their nearest challengers.
Rivals in Transition
Leverkusen, fresh from a double last season, are now without coach Xabi Alonso and stars Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Jonathan Tah. Erik ten Hag has taken charge but must revive a squad weakened by key departures, with talented teenagers Ibrahim Maza and Axel Tape expected to play major roles. The club has reinvested profits into targets such as Sevilla defender Loïc Badé.
Leipzig also enter a new phase after missing out on Europe for the first time since 2016. With Ole Werner installed as coach and Marcel Schäfer as sporting director, the club will lean on youth again. Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons are likely to leave, but fresh arrivals include Johan Bakayoko and Yan Diomandé.
Borussia Dortmund, guided by Niko Kovac, face problems of fatigue following the Club World Cup and restricted funds due to financial obligations. Jobe Bellingham’s signing underlines their commitment to development, though Kovac must manage intensity carefully to avoid burnout.
Eintracht Frankfurt could benefit most from rivals’ instability. After selling Hugo Ekitiké, they secured Jonathan Burkhardt and seem well prepared for the Champions League. Strong defence and versatile attack make them potential dark horses.
New Season, Old Questions
The Bundesliga welcomes back Hamburg after seven years, joining Cologne as promoted clubs. Their return restores big derbies, with Köln-Gladbach and Hamburg-St Pauli set for early-season highlights.
For all the excitement, the central question remains: who can trouble Bayern? With rivals in flux, Kompany’s team appear set to dominate again. Yet Wirtz’s departure abroad is a reminder of shifting dynamics. If Bayern do stumble, their supremacy may no longer feel untouchable.
