Joshua Kimmich’s Early Career and First Jersey Number
When Joshua Kimmich first broke into the senior squad of Bayern Munich in 2015, he was assigned the number 30. The number reflected his status as a young talent emerging from the club’s youth academy, a common practice for promising players who have yet to cement a regular place in the first team.
During his debut season, Kimmich primarily featured as a right‑back, covering for established internationals and gaining valuable experience in the Bundesliga and Champions League. The 30 jersey became a symbol of his early development, appearing on match‑day programmes, training kits, and early fan merchandise.
Key milestones while wearing number 30
- 2015‑16 season – First professional appearance for Bayern Munich.
- 2016‑17 season – Became a regular starter under coach Carlo Ancelotti.
- 2017‑18 season – Contributed to Bayern’s domestic double while still wearing the 30 shirt.
Transition to the Iconic Number 6
In the summer of 2019, following the retirement of Bayern legend Bastian Schweinsteiger, the club announced that Joshua Kimmich would inherit the coveted number 6. The change was more than a simple renumbering; it signaled the club’s confidence in Kimmich as the new midfield anchor and a future leader.
Number 6 has a storied history at Bayern Munich, previously worn by players such as Franz Beckenbauer, Lothar Matthäus, and Schweinsteiger. By assigning this number to Kimmich, Bayern linked him to a lineage of versatile, defensively disciplined midfielders who shaped the club’s identity.
Reasons behind the number change
- Positional evolution – Kimmich transitioned from right‑back to a deep‑lying midfield role, aligning with the traditional responsibilities of a number 6.
- Leadership potential – The club recognized his tactical intelligence and on‑field communication, traits associated with previous holders of the number.
- Commercial considerations – A new jersey number generated fresh merchandise sales, capitalising on Kimmich’s growing popularity.
Why the Old Number Still Matters to Fans
Although Kimmich now proudly wears 6, many supporters retain a sentimental attachment to his original 30
