by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- Jamal Musiala doesn't seem short of role models after his recent hat-trick.
Like his teammate and England captain Harry Kane, the 21-year-old Bayern Munich forward collected the game ball after scoring three goals in Bayern's 4-0 German Cup win against Mainz. It marked the first hat-trick of Musiala's career.
Kane, the former Tottenham striker, is a leading figure in European football when it comes to hat-tricks, having scored three goals in a single game 14 times.
Musiala, known for his love of sports beyond soccer, celebrated with a gesture borrowed from NBA star Stephen Curry, Golden State's renowned three-point shooter. Musiala flashed three fingers-index, middle, and ring-while pressing his thumb and pinkie together, imitating Curry's signature celebration. This gesture capped off a standout week in which Musiala's three-goal performance in Mainz followed two goals in a league match against Bochum, reinforcing his rising reputation at Bayern.
While Kane's goals reflect steady precision, Musiala's strikes have a youthful exuberance. After his first header goal in Bochum, Musiala could barely contain his excitement, laughing as he watched the replay. Against Mainz, however, he took on a more serious tone, with discussions focused on his future at Bayern.
"I hope you see how happy I am here," Musiala said when asked about ongoing contract negotiations, which aim to extend his deal until 2026. He teased reporters, saying, "It's nice to keep things a mystery." Bayern board member Max Eberl expressed optimism about finalizing the extension soon.
As Europe's top clubs vie for Musiala, Bayern icon Thomas Muller assured fans, "He knows his place here in Munich. People love and adore him." With winter break approaching, Bayern's leadership announced they see Musiala as a perfect "future figurehead" for the club.
Having become a key player for both Bayern and the German national team, Musiala has emerged as a rising star known for his joyful style of play. "We'll always support him, whether he's on top form or facing challenges," Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said, emphasizing how much Bayern relies on the 36-time capped player.
Now back from a minor injury, Musiala is enjoying full support from his club and teammates. "They all signed the three-goal ball," Musiala shared, adding that it will go to his mother, Carolin. "She'll find a good spot for it. If I kept it, it'd probably get lost in the chaos of my apartment," he joked with a wink. ■
