Bayern Munich Midfielder Joshua Kimmich’s Father Has Died

Joshua Kimmich Mourns the Sudden Loss of His Father at 57

The football world has been struck by heartbreaking news concerning German international footballer Joshua Kimmich. The 31-year-old Bayern Munich midfielder is mourning the reported sudden death of his father, Berthold Kimmich, who died at the age of 57. The news emerged on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, after Bayern Munich announced that their influential midfielder would miss the team’s UEFA Champions League match against Arsenal because of a death in his immediate family.

According to reports published by German newspaper BILD, the deceased family member was Kimmich’s father, Berthold. Bayern Munich confirmed the family bereavement but deliberately avoided disclosing further personal details, asking the public and the media to respect the family’s privacy during this painful period.

A Father Who Played an Important Role in His Son’s Journey

Behind many successful footballers are family members who support them long before they become famous. For Joshua Kimmich, his father was reportedly one of the most important people in his early football journey.

Berthold Kimmich, who was also known as Beppo in his hometown, supported his son’s ambitions from a young age. He had experience in youth football himself and recognised Joshua’s potential while the future star was still developing his abilities.

Joshua grew up in Bösingen, Germany, with his father, his mother, Anja, and his sister, Deborah. His journey towards professional football required dedication, patience and considerable effort from the family. Becoming an elite footballer is not simply about having talent; young players also need opportunities to train, develop their skills and compete at increasingly higher levels.

Berthold helped make that journey possible by supporting his son’s development. Reports have recalled how he regularly drove Joshua to training with VfB Stuttgart, even though travelling from their hometown required considerable effort.

In a documentary broadcast in 2020, Joshua recalled those journeys and explained how the distance sometimes felt like a journey across half the world. His father continued making those efforts because he believed in his son’s potential. The commitment was significant, particularly when Joshua was still a young player whose future in professional football was not guaranteed.

From a Young Footballer to an International Star

Joshua Kimmich’s career eventually developed far beyond the expectations many people might have had for a young footballer growing up in a small German town.

After developing through the youth football system, he progressed through clubs including VfB Stuttgart and RB Leipzig before establishing himself at Bayern Munich. At Bayern, he became one of the team’s most influential midfielders, earning recognition for his passing, tactical intelligence, work rate and ability to contribute in different positions.

He also became an important member of the German national team, representing his country at major international tournaments. His achievements include winning the UEFA Champions League with Bayern Munich in 2020.

For supporters, these accomplishments demonstrate the quality of a player who worked his way to the highest levels of the sport. However, the story of his development also highlights the importance of the support he received from his family.

His father’s encouragement during his formative years was part of the personal story behind his professional achievements. Although football fans see Kimmich playing in major stadiums and competing for important trophies, they rarely see the years of family commitment that help young athletes reach that level.

Bayern Munich announced on October 21 that Kimmich would not be included in the squad for their Champions League fixture against Arsenal because of a bereavement in his immediate family.

His absence had attracted attention after he missed the team’s final training session ahead of the match. The club initially referred to personal reasons before confirming the family bereavement.

The announcement made clear that Kimmich would not participate in the match. The club also expressed its condolences and said it stood alongside the player during this difficult time.

Bayern Munich asked the public to respect the family’s privacy and grief and to refrain from further inquiries and reporting about the circumstances.

Although Kimmich is a highly important player for the team, the situation goes beyond football. A family bereavement is a personal experience, and taking time away from professional responsibilities can be necessary when someone is dealing with such a loss.

His absence is a sporting setback for Bayern, but the club’s public response demonstrates that it recognises the importance of supporting its player during a difficult moment.

Joshua Kimmich is known to millions of football fans because of his performances for Bayern Munich and Germany. However, away from the pitch, he is also a son, a husband and a father.

Kimmich is married to Lina Kimmich, and reports have stated that they have four children together. At a time like this, the support of close family members can be particularly important.

The death of a parent can be deeply painful, regardless of a person’s age, achievements or financial circumstances. A successful career cannot remove the emotional impact of losing someone who played a meaningful role in one’s life.

For Kimmich, the loss is especially poignant given the reports of his father’s involvement in his early football development. The man who supported him during his younger years is no longer there to witness his future achievements.

It is impossible to know exactly what Kimmich and his family are experiencing privately, and it is important not to make assumptions about their feelings. What can be said is that the reported loss has brought a deeply personal moment into public attention.

The Football Community Offers Its Support

News of the bereavement has attracted attention because Kimmich is one of the most recognisable players in German football. Nevertheless, Bayern Munich’s request for privacy is an important reminder that public interest should not override a family’s need to grieve.

Football supporters may wish to express their condolences, but they should also respect the family’s request for privacy. There is no need to speculate about the circumstances of the death or demand further information that the family has chosen not to share.

For now, Kimmich’s immediate priority is understandably personal rather than professional. Football matches, trophies and individual achievements will continue to come, but the loss of a loved one is something that cannot simply be put aside because a major fixture is approaching.

The story also reminds us of the people who stand behind successful athletes. While supporters celebrate goals, victories and trophies, parents and other relatives often make sacrifices that receive little public recognition.

Berthold Kimmich’s reported support for his son’s early football development forms an important part of Joshua’s journey. His influence cannot be measured solely through trophies or statistics; it is also reflected in the years of encouragement and commitment that helped his son pursue his ambitions.

As Joshua Kimmich and his family navigate this difficult period, the most appropriate response from the football community is to offer sympathy, allow them space to grieve and respect their privacy.

Our condolences go to Joshua Kimmich, his mother, Anja, his sister, Deborah, his wife, Lina, his children and all their loved ones during this painful time.

May the family find strength, comfort and peace as they mourn their loss.Joshua Kimmich, the Bayern Munich captain, has reportedly lost his father, Berthold Kimmich, at the age of 57.

Because of this sad news, Bayern Munich have confirmed that Kimmich will not play in tonight’s match. He will likely need time to be with his family and grieve his father’s death.

Losing a parent is a very painful experience, especially when it happens unexpectedly. Football is not the most important thing at a moment like this.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Joshua Kimmich and his family during this difficult time. 🕊️💔

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