Kim Min-Jae
CB
Korea Republic29 years
Showing2026/27 seasonAll official competitions
Preferred Positions
Last 24 months · all competitions
CB
Centre-backMain
6,613 min · 94 apps · 77 starts
Squad importance
Current squad importance over the club’s last 40 recorded competitive games in this spell, including previous seasons. Starts and minutes contribute 70%; performance contributes 30%. Absences reduce the score gradually, with less weight when a player is outside the matchday squad.Current role at Bayern München · independent of the season filter
Rotation
Involvement52%
Performance47%
Through the match on 3 Nov 2026. Refreshed daily.
Profile
Career & playing style
Kim Min-Jae is a South Korean centre-back whose speed gives his team room to defend further up the pitch. He can challenge an attacker early and cover the space behind the defensive line. He combines forceful tackles and aerial strength with forward passes and carries out of defence.
Born in Tongyeong on 15 November 1996, he began his professional career with third-tier Gyeongju KHNP in 2016. A move to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors followed in 2017. He quickly established himself there, winning the Korean league in both 2017 and 2018 before joining Beijing Guoan in January 2019.
His route into European football came through Fenerbahçe in 2021. He became a regular in Istanbul, then moved to Napoli in summer 2022 and immediately established himself in the starting side.
At Napoli, he played 35 of the 38 league matches in the 2022/23 season as the club won its first Serie A title since 1990. He was named the league’s best defender. He also made nine appearances during Napoli’s run to the Champions League quarter-finals.
Bayern Munich signed him in July 2023. He won the Bundesliga in 2024/25 and again in 2025/26, adding the DFB Cup in the latter season. His second title campaign included both starts and substitute appearances as Vincent Kompany rotated his central defenders.
He made his senior South Korea debut in August 2017 and helped the team reach the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup. He also represented his country at the 2026 tournament, which ended for South Korea in the group stage.
His defensive style depends on decisions as well as pace. When a pass beats the midfield press, stepping forward can stop a receiver turning towards goal; if that challenge fails, space opens behind him. Bundesliga analysis of Bayern’s 2024/25 approach described that trade-off. In possession, his forward passing and willingness to carry the ball give his team another way to advance from defence.
Latest stats & form
Kim Min-Jae currently plays for Bayern München as a centre-back. He has represented South Korea internationally.
Statistics cover recorded official matches.