Jamal Musiala is only 21 years old but has already established himself as a key player for Bayern Munich and Germany.
The attacking midfielder scored a goal in each of his side's first two matches of Euro 2024, helping the host nation to a 5-1 thrashing of Scotland in the opening game of the tournament before breaking the deadlock against Hungary on June 19. He then struck his side's second goal in their Round of 16 clash with Denmark in Dortmund, side-footing home with real composure to put Germany in control of the contest.
Esteemed for his prodigious dribbling ability, not to mention poise and strength on the ball that belie his young age, Musiala is considered one of the finest young players in the world and has been tipped as a future contender for the Ballon d'Or.
He could also have a significant impact on Germany's hopes of winning Euro 2024, as well as their chances of challenging for glory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, had things turned out a little differently, he could have been playing senior international football for one of two other nations. The Sporting News looks as Musiala's early life and how he qualified to play for England or Nigeria before committing to Germany.
MORE: Will Jamal Musiala win the Euro 2024 Golden Boot? Here are the latest standings
Where are Jamal Musiala's parents from?
Musiala was born in Stuttgart, Germany, to a British-Nigerian father and a German mother.
His dad, Daniel Richard, was a footballer in Nigeria and played a hands-on role in attempting to launch his son's youth career.
Carolin Musiala, his mom, is where he gets his surname, specifically from that side of the family's Polish roots.
Could Jamal Musiala have played for England or Nigeria?
Musiala moved to England with his family at the age of 7 and went to school in New Malden, an area of South West London. He was signed by the Chelsea academy in 2011, where he spent eight years.
Through his father, Musiala was eligible to play for England, Nigeria or Germany. Indeed, he played youth football for England from the Under-15 age group right up to the Under-21s. In 2020, Germany youth coach Miekel Schonweitz even stated that Musiala "clearly signalled to us that he currently sees his future with the English national teams."
However, in February 2021, Musiala confirmed he had chosen to represent Germany at senior international level. By this stage, the player had returned to his country of birth by signing for Bayern.
Musiala admitted he had agonised over the decision, telling The Athletic: "In the end, I just listened to the feeling that over a long period of time kept telling me that it was the right decision to play for Germany, the land I was born in. Still, it wasn't an easy decision for me.
"I have a heart for Germany and a heart for England. Both hearts will keep on beating.
"It is difficult to find words for what England means for me because I have so many memories connected to very positive emotions."
What language does Jamal Musiala speak?
Musiala can speak fluent German and English. Although he did not speak the language at all when he moved to England at the age of 7, his school teachers were hugely impressed at how quickly he learned, according to a profile by Goal.com.
In an interview with the Bundesliga website in 2021, Musiala revealed: "I was once asked in which language I think and dream. Somehow, it's both: English and German. Both belong to me. I always spoke German with my mother at home.
"At the same time, I felt very comfortable in England, I made friends there, and I'm still in touch with many of them every day. We send each other messages and play on the PlayStation. They're also happy for me, with how far I've come."
Jamal Musiala net worth, salary, wages, contract at Bayern
Musiala's Bayern Munich contract expires in June 2026.
According to Capology, his salary is around €5 million ($5.37 million) per year, which works out at a base weekly wage of just over €96,000 ($102,500).
Musiala's net worth is unclear, but he has earned approximately €15m ($15.9m) during his career.
