Bayern Munich legend Kimmich names Nigerian-born star as best footballer he has ever played with

Joshua Kimmich has played alongside some of the biggest names in world football during his time at Bayern Munich, but the German midfielder has revealed one standout above all others.

In a surprising verdict, Kimmich named Nigerian-born David Alaba as the best player he has ever shared a pitch with.

Speaking during a visit to a Bayern Munich fan club, the 30-year-old reflected on the elite talents he has played with throughout his decorated career.

Kimmich admitted that Franck Ribéry and Thiago Alcântara left huge impressions on him, each for different reasons. Ribéry, he explained, was “very spectacular” in terms of what he could do on the pitch, while Thiago stood out purely on talent, possessing the ability to do “everything” with the ball.

However, when asked to choose one player based on the complete package, Kimmich did not hesitate. “If I take the whole package, it’s David Alaba,” he said.

The Bayern vice-captain highlighted that Alaba’s influence went far beyond technical quality, setting him apart from other world-class teammates he has encountered over the years.

Kimmich went on to praise Alaba’s mentality, personality, and leadership, stressing that the Nigerian-born defender was just as important off the pitch as he was on it.

According to Kimmich, Alaba was a unifying presence in the dressing room, someone who got along with everyone, helped integrate new players, and played a key role in maintaining harmony within the squad. His reliability and consistency on the pitch only strengthened his overall importance to the team.

David Alaba spent more than a decade at Bayern Munich, winning multiple Bundesliga titles and Champions League honours before leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer of 2021. He is now a key figure at Real Madrid, where he remains under contract until 2026.

For Kimmich, though, Alaba’s legacy at Bayern is already clear—an exceptional footballer whose blend of talent, leadership, and character makes him the best teammate he has ever had.