Cassiano Kiala

Cassiano Tomas Kiala (born 11 January 2009) is a German professional footballer who plays as a defender for club Bayern Munich. He is a German youth international.

Early life Kiala was born on 11 January 2009 in Berlin, Germany. He is of Angolan descent through his parents.

Club career Bayern Munich As a youth player, Kiala joined the youth academy of Hertha BSC. Following his stint there, he joined the youth academy of Bundesliga side Bayern Munich during the summer of 2024.

On 11 June 2025, Bayern Munich announced their 32-player final squad for the FIFA Club World Cup, which included Kiala.

He was one of the players that were called up by Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany, for the 2025 pre-season matches against French Ligue 1 club Lyon, English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, and Swiss Super League club Grasshopper, on 2, 7, and 12 August 2025, respectively.

Kiala made his professional debut with Bayern Munich II on 23 August 2025, starting for a 2–2 home draw Regionalliga Bayern match against SpVgg Bayreuth.

Kiala received his first call-up with the Bayern Munich senior team for the first UEFA Champions League league phase match against English Premier League club Chelsea on 17 September 2025, which Bayern Munich won 3–1 at home, however Kiala was an unused substitute. He made his debut with the Bayern Munich senior team on December 21, substituting Dayot Upamecano at the second half of a 4–0 away win Bundesliga match against 1. FC Heidenheim, simultaneously becoming the second youngest debutant for Bayern Munich at 16 years and 344 days old, behind only Paul Wanner who debuted with the club being 16 years and 15 days old in 2022.

Kiala was called up as a starter for the 5–0 win friendly match against Austrian Bundesliga club Red Bull Salzburg on 6 January 2026.

On 20 August 2026, he signed a long-term contract extension with Bayern Munich, the duration of which was not disclosed.

International career Kiala is a Germany youth international. Eligible to represent Angola internationally through his parents, he captained the Germany national under-16 team.

Career statistics

Style of play Kiala mainly plays as a centre-back and is right-footed. German newspaper wrote in 2025 that he "has impressed with... his speed, and his technical proficiency".