The death of Joshua Kimmich's father...a family grief that keeps the German captain away from facing Arsenal

German media reported, on Wednesday (October 21), the death of Bertold Kimmich, the father of German national team captain and Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich, at the age of 57. According to what the Bild newspaper reported from close sources, the death came suddenly as a result of a heart attack.

Bayern confirms the absence for family reasons

Hours before Bayern Munich faced Arsenal in the Champions League, the Bavarian club announced the absence of the German midfielder from the match due to family circumstances, explaining that the reason was due to “the death of one of his first-degree relatives.”

Kimmich was also absent from the team's training on Tuesday, before the club confirmed on Wednesday morning that he had been excluded from the match squad.

Bayern said in a statement published on the The club also offered its deepest condolences to the player and his family.

The father's role in making the German star's career

Reports indicate that Berthold Kimmich played a key role in supporting his son's sporting career from an early age. Joshua Kimmich grew up in the town of Bösingen in the state of Baden-Württemberg, where his father regularly accompanied him to Stuttgart club training, despite the long distance that separated their home from the club headquarters.

In a documentary broadcast by German Channel 2 (ZDF), Kimmich talked about these frequent trips, which family members described as being like “half a tour around the world.” According to what was reported by the newspaper "Bild", his father was sometimes subjected to ridicule because of his insistence on supporting his son, but he remained a believer in his talent and adhered to his support.

The family faces adversity together

Kimmich has lived with his wife, Lina Kimmich, since 2013, and they have four children. "Bild" reported that the family is facing this difficult stage together in light of the grief caused by the father's death.

Impressive absences before facing Arsenal

With Kimmich's absence, Bayern Munich loses one of its most important elements in the European match. Winger Michael Oliseh is also absent due to suspension after being sent off during the match against the Norwegian Vikings last week.

There are also doubts about the presence of coach Vincent Kompany on the touchline against Arsenal after a viral infection that affected his legs kept him away. But media reports suggested his participation in the match, indicating that the Belgian coach returned to team training on Wednesday morning after recovering, and accompanied the Bayern delegation to the team’s residence.