Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany impressed with Bara Sapoko Ndiaye

25 April 2026, Rhineland-Palatinate, Mainz: Soccer, Men: Bundesliga, FSV Mainz 05 - Bayern Munich, Matchday 31, Mewa Arena. Mainz's Sano Kaishu (l) and Bara Sapoko Ndiaye (Bayern Munich) fight for the ball. Photo: Thomas Frey/dpa - IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the DFL German Football League and the DFB German Football Association, it is prohibited to utilize or have utilized photographs taken in the stadium and/or of the match in the form of sequential images and/or video-like photo series.

(Photo by Thomas Frey/picture alliance via Getty Images) In the midst of Bayern Munich’s wild 4-3 comeback victory over Mainz 05 in the Bundesliga, youngster Bara Sapoko Ndiaye probably had to pinch himself to make sure this was actually his life. Just a few months ago, this kind of experience probably felt worlds away, but here Ndiaye was, on the big stage of the Bundesliga as the Bavarians were embarking on an epic comeback. While he was subbed out before he could see it all the way thought, the youngster did impress his boss.

“Such a physical game is the toughest possible test for a young player. It really wasn’t a game for young players, but he needs this to learn from. I thought he did quite well on the ball and kept up with the pace.

For me, there’s zero responsibility on his shoulders. It’s up to the experienced players to step up. He also showed a reaction in the second half.