17-year-old Maycon Cardozo: Bayern's smallest rising into the spotlight

By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Spotting Maycon Cardozo at Bayern Munich's training sessions over the past few months was easy. The 17-year-old Sao Paulo-born striker was simply the shortest.

Despite delivering an enchanting story, the 1.65-meter-tall whirlwind secretly pursued his dream of playing professional football, wearing a Bavarian shirt in the shadow of the German champion's superstars.

Since Friday evening, "Bayern's smallest" has become known to a wider audience as he made his first-tier debut in the league encounter against Monchengladbach (4-1), being substituted in the 61st minute.

Inspired by talents like Jamal Musiala (23), David Santos Daiber (19), and Lennart Karl (18), the young player became the first from the club's "World Squad" to reach the first team.

Founded in 2021, the World Squad assembled international talent to tackle the Bavarians' efforts in scouting promising players.

While several talents advanced, securing professional contracts in various European lower leagues, the quick and elusive runner joined the first team training in 2026, while also being selected for Bayern's second team competing in Germany's fourth tier and the under-19 squad.

Having been raised in Thailand due to his father's duties, Cardozo signed a long-term contract last week and now shares his overwhelming joy after his first appearance.

"Everyone in the locker room cheered me. I am so happy and proud to have made it that far," the debutant said, while promising to keep working hard and stay on track.

"I am living a dream, I can't describe it any other way, as I am stunned and can hardly believe it."

After convincing the Bayern academy officials, "he made significant steps," as World Academy coach and former world-class striker Roy Makaay said.

Cardozo benefitted from a "hard way" of having to compete with "mostly adults in every training session," Makaay said.

The Dutch praised the young players' skills as excellent in speed, dribbling, technique, and being two-footed.

Despite benefiting from an injury to Bayern's top scorer and Three Lions captain, Harry Kane, which opened the way for Cardozo to join the squad against Gladbach, coach Vincent Kompany cautiously supports the young player's development.

"We will see about his way in the future, but it was a great start for now," Makaay said. ■