Bayern Munich: Joshua Kimmich Faces Sudden, Devastating Loss; He Will Miss the Champions League Match Against Arsenal

Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich has suffered a tragic loss in his family. The 31-year-old German soccer player will not be available for the Champions League match against Arsenal, scheduled for tonight at 9 p.m. at the Allianz Arena. The Bavarian club itself announced his absence via its X profile, explaining that Kimmich will not take part in the match due to the loss of a member of his immediate family.

According to a report by Bild, which cites sources close to the player, his father, Berthold Kimmich, passed away suddenly at the age of 57. However, the German club has not confirmed this account, limiting itself to announcing the midfielder’s absence without providing further details.

Berthold played a central role in his son’s athletic career, guiding him from childhood toward professional soccer. Raised in Bösingen, Baden-Württemberg, Joshua took his first steps in the Stuttgart youth academy. To enable him to attend practices, his father regularly drove about 100 kilometers.

In an interview with the Schwarzwälder Bote in May 2025, Berthold spoke about the sacrifices he made during those years. At first, Joshua was reluctant to accept the move, worried about the constant travel his father would have to endure. His father, however, reorganized the family’s schedule to allow him to continue his soccer journey.

The bond between the two remained strong even after Kimmich made his mark in international soccer. Berthold continued to closely follow his son’s career, accompanying him to the most important events alongside his wife, Anja. Last summer, his parents traveled to North America to watch the German national team’s matches, cheering from the stands as the team secured a 2-1 victory over Ecuador.