Joshua Kimmich paid tribute to his late father after scoring the opener in Bayern Munich's 2-1 win over Mainz on Matchday 9 of the 2026/27 campaign.

When Kimmich put Bayern in front in the 14th minute at the MEWA Arena, it soon became clear that it would be no normal celebration. After jumping into the air, he stretched his finger towards the sky in memory of his father, who passed away last month. "I don't score many goals," he said after the match. "After this one, I obviously immediately thought of him, so I was definitely more emotional than I otherwise would have been."

After missing three games to grieve his loss, Kimmich returned to the side in the 2-2 draw with Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker. He barely missed a beat, taking his place once more as the team's tempo-setter, and also performed well in the UEFA Champions League win over Atlético Madrid.

Watch: Schlotterbeck consoles Kimmich after Der Klassiker

In Mainz, he was decisive by finding the back of the net as the reigning champions went on to prevail 2-1. For Kimmich, the game will remain particularly memorable: "Because of the situation with my father, it was very emotional for me. I had to think of him straightaway. Normally, you block all that out on the pitch."

His display also earned him the Man of the Match award - and he knew exactly what he was going to do with the prize: "I think I'm going to send it to my mother. The last one was for my father, and this one is now for my mother."

Kimmich's performance earned him the Man of the Match award. - FC Bayern

Kimmich's loss, as well as the health-induced absence of head coach Vincent Kompany and issues suffered by Jamal Musiala, has brought Bayern closer together, Kimmich explained. "It is special how we have grown together in recent years. The players, staff and everyone involved treat each other with huge respect and support each other in every situation."