Bayern Munich hand 16-year-old Nigerian-born youngster first professional contract

Bayern Munich have handed a first professional contract to 16-year-old Nigerian-born winger Wisdom Mike, marking a major step in his rapidly rising career.

The club announced the deal alongside fellow prospect Lennart Karl, further underlining their renewed push to develop and promote homegrown talent.

Wisdom Mike’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable for someone so young. Born in Germany to Nigerian parents, he began honing his skills at MSV Duisburg before moving to Borussia Mönchengladbach’s academy in 2019.

His speed, agility, and knack for scoring quickly turned heads, and by 2022, Bayern Munich had snapped him up for their youth setup. At Bayern, Mike has continued to develop into a lethal winger, capable of taking on defenders and making decisive contributions in the final third.

During the 2024/25 season, he has scored 13 goals in just 11 appearances for the under-17 side, while also gaining experience with the under-19s.

His performances earned him a place on the bench for Bayern’s senior team in their Bundesliga clash against Werder Bremen, a significant milestone for any academy player.

With the technical ability to play on either flank and the composure to finish under pressure, Mike’s potential is undeniable.

This signing is also a reflection of Bayern’s growing focus on bringing academy talents into the senior fold.

Under the guidance of board member for sport Max Eberl, the club has been clear about its intention to provide young players a pathway to the first team, citing success stories like Jamal Musiala, Aleksandar Pavlovic, and Josip Stanisic.

Mike’s inclusion in pre-season matches against Lyon, Tottenham Hotspur, and Grasshopper helped showcase his adaptability and fearlessness against elite opposition.

His style, blending pace with direct dribbling, has drawn comparisons to Ousmane Dembélé, and his dual eligibility for Germany and Nigeria opens intriguing international possibilities. For Bayern, securing Mike is as much about preparing for the future as it is rewarding current excellence.