Biography
Early Life
Born on February 8, 1995, in Rottweil — a medieval city deep in the Black Forest of Baden-Württemberg — Joshua Kimmich grew up with an unusually focused mindset for a child. He wasn't the most naturally gifted prospect at youth level, but he outworked everyone around him. He came through Stuttgart's academy before RB Leipzig gave him his professional debut.
Breakthrough
Pep Guardiola spotted him at Leipzig and brought him to Bayern Munich for €8.5 million in 2015. What followed was a masterclass in versatility and relentless improvement. Guardiola deployed him at right-back; later managers moved him to central midfield. He became world class in both roles and eventually the best central midfielder in the Bundesliga.
Career
For over a decade at Bayern Munich, Kimmich has been the engine, the leader, and often the decisive player on the pitch. He's won Bundesliga titles almost every year, lifted the Champions League in 2020, and reached 100 Germany caps. He is Bayern's captain and their conscience — the heartbeat of the club.
Personal Life
Kimmich is one of Germany's most outspoken footballers, willing to share views on social and political topics — which has occasionally put him in the spotlight for reasons beyond football. He is known for his close friendship with Leon Goretzka and his dedication to charity work. He keeps his family life relatively private but speaks of fatherhood with evident pride.
Legacy
A decade at Bayern. A captaincy. A Champions League. The best German central midfielder of his generation — a player who rebuilt himself from right-back to controlling midfielder and mastered both positions.
Stats & Finances
Career Timeline
Developed through Stuttgart's youth system before turning professional
Made his senior professional debut at Leipzig in the 2. Bundesliga
Signed by Pep Guardiola for €8.5M; made his debut alongside the world's best
Won the Champions League — the centrepiece of an historic treble-winning season
Captained Bayern to the Bundesliga title and signed a new contract through 2029
Fun Facts
Kimmich has won the Bundesliga more times than any other player currently playing in the German top flight
He was converted from right-back to central midfielder and became the best in the world at his new position within two seasons
Guardiola signed him for just €8.5 million — one of the greatest pieces of business in Bayern's history
He famously declined the COVID-19 vaccine in 2021, later getting vaccinated and publicly apologising for the confusion his stance caused
Kimmich provided more Bundesliga assists than any other player across the period from 2019 to 2024
Data last verified: April 2026
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