FC Bayern World Squad 2025: A chance for young footballers

The fifth edition of the FC Bayern World Squad will begin in June 2025, once again offering talented U19 footballers from all over the world the opportunity to realise their dream of a professional career.

Together with partner Audi, young players from a variety of nations will be supported and given the chance to prove themselves at an international training camp.

Head coach Roy Makaay will once again lead the team, taking charge for the third year in a row, and he will be aided by Diego Contento, who already served as assistant coach last season. Young players from all over the world can now apply for this programme.

FC Bayern Deputy CEO Michael Diederich spoke on the opportunity to strengthen cultural exchange through sport.

“The FC Bayern World Squad has developed into a global flagship project and offers talented young footballers from all over the world a unique platform to showcase their potential. Together with Audi, we not only promote youth, but also strengthen cultural exchange through sport – a central component of our club philosophy.”

Head of Sports Marketing at Audi Christian Schiller echoes Diederich’s sentiment, seeing this project as an opportunity to foster young talent from across the globe.

“We’re proud to be part of this extraordinary project that supports young players across the world and gives them the opportunity to gain a foothold at the highest level. The FC Bayern World Squad stands for values that are also important to us at Audi: Promoting talent, diversity and creating real opportunities.”

Jochen Sauer, director of youth development and the Campus aims to recreate the successes of the project from prior years.

“It’s impressive how the project has developed and established itself around the world. The FC Bayern World Squad has a good reputation in America, Africa, Asia and Europe. Over the past four years, we have discovered and promoted some highly interesting young international players through this unique project. We are excited about the level of our squad for 2025.”

A recent and excellent example of the success of the FC Bayern World Squad is Victor Orakpo from the Class of ‘23. He joined French club Nice on January 31, 2024, on a contract until 2027 and made his debut on August 18 as a substitute in Ligue 1.

Just a few days later, on August 26, he extended his contract with Nice until 2028, impressively demonstrating that the leap into professional football is possible.

Young players born in 2007 or 2008 can now apply for the Class of ‘25 with a maximum 90-second application video. All information on the application process and the conditions of participation can be found on FC Bayern’s website.

The players’ whole journey will once again be captured in a multi-part documentary that follows their path from selection to the match against FC Bayern’s U19s.

The new series will be released live to watch on FC Bayern’s YouTube channel.

Press release