Munich has become the fixed point in Aleksandar Pavlovic’s rapid rise. Vincent Kompany’s arrival at Bayern Munich changed the rhythm of the German midfielder’s career, moving him from the edge of the senior squad to a central role in a side that has collected domestic silverware and chased Europe’s biggest night.
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Before Kompany took charge, Pavlovic had made 22 appearances for Bayern’s first team while still dividing his time with the club’s reserve side. The 2024-25 campaign brought a decisive shift: he featured 33 times and established himself among the senior group.
His influence grew further last season, when he played 44 matches in all competitions, scoring four goals and providing two assists. Bayern completed a Bundesliga and German Cup double, while their Champions League run ended just short of the final.
Although principally a holding midfielder, Pavlovic has also been used in wide defensive positions. In Kompany’s system, Bayern’s full-backs often move inside when the team attacks, effectively adding extra players to central areas, and the 1.87-metre midfielder has been trusted with that tactical flexibility.
His club form earned him a place in Germany’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, but the tournament did not match his Bayern season. Germany were eliminated by Paraguay in the round of 32, and Philipp Lahm was particularly critical of Pavlovic’s performances.
Lahm said Germany’s midfield had lacked stability, arguing that Pavlovic had repeatedly surrendered possession in straightforward situations and had not consistently taken up the right positions.
Manchester City showed strong interest in Pavlovic as a possible successor to Rodri, with his physical profile and midfield qualities prompting comparisons with the Ballon d’Or-winning Spaniard. Pavlovic, however, made clear that he did not intend to leave Bayern.
Asked about being measured against Rodri, Pavlovic said the City player was an elite defensive midfielder whose Ballon d’Or had been deserved. He added that the comparison was an honour and motivation for his own ambition, admitting that winning the award himself one day would be a dream.
He is not among the leading contenders for this year’s Ballon d’Or, but the next campaign could offer another step towards that target. So far this season, Pavlovic has recorded one goal and two assists in eight appearances for Bayern.
