Aleksandar Pavlovic
FCB
Center Midfielder
Deep-Lying Playmaker
May 3, 2004 (22)
Both
6'2"
165 lb
Trains individually Monday
Pavlovic (calf) resumed individual training Monday at Bayern Munich's training facility after missing Sunday's Bundesliga clash against Freiburg due to calf discomfort and feeling unwell, according to the club.
Analysis: Pavlovic has taken a positive step toward returning to competitive action after being rested for Sunday's encounter against Freiburg. The German midfielder had been dealing with calf discomfort following Wednesday's Champions League draw against Arsenal, during which he started alongside Tom Bischof, prompting Bayern to take a cautious approach to his fitness. He was also reportedly feeling unwell ahead of Sunday's fixture, further contributing to his absence from the matchday squad. However, Pavlovic was able to complete an individual training session Monday at Sabener Strasse, suggesting he is making progress toward full fitness. His availability for Wednesday's DFB-Pokal clash against Magdeburg remains uncertain, with a return to full team training likely necessary before he can be considered for selection. Bayern will also be hoping to have him available for Saturday's Bundesliga encounter against Borussia Dortmund, particularly given Joshua Kimmich's recent absence from midfield.
Out of squad for Freiburg trip
Pavlovic will not be in the squad for Sunday's match at Freiburg, as Bayern Munich are resting him due to calf problems and do not want to take any risks, per Sky Sport.
Analysis: Pavlovic is being rested for Sunday's match at Freiburg because of calf problems, after starting alongside Tom Bischof in Wednesday's Champions League match against Arsenal. With Joshua Kimmich also unavailable, Bayern Munich have no obvious direct replacement in central midfield, though Konrad Laimer, Bara Sapoko Ndiaye and Ismael Saibari could all line up next to Bischof. The decision appears precautionary, and Pavlovic could return for the DFB-Pokal tie at Magdeburg on Wednesday or the visit of Borussia Dortmund next Saturday.
Scores on lone shot
Pavlovic scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and three chances created in Saturday's 6-1 victory versus RB Leipzig.
Analysis: The midfielder wasn't as heavily involved in this game as others but did get a goal on his only shot and created three chances. He could be an interesting secondary option to get more touches against Arsenal, as Bayern try to break through a defense that has not given up a UCL goal yet this season.
Sets up game winner
Pavlovic had an assist while taking three off target shots, crossing twice inaccurately and creating three chances during Sunday's 2-1 win over Elversberg.
Analysis: Pavlovic set up Harry Kane in the 72nd minute assisting the game winning goal for Bayern. The assist was the first this season for the midfielder as he's combined for two goal involvements, six shots and seven chances created through the opening three Bundesliga matches.
Goal in win
Pavlovic scored one goal to go with three shots (two on goal) and one chance created in Friday's 5-1 victory over VfB Stuttgart.
Analysis: Pavlovic isn't a huge goal-scoring threat but that didn't stop him Friday as he got in on the monstrous win over Stuttgart. It was never a competitive match throughout and the midfielder was simply brilliant. Pavlovic nearly had an assist as well, but the team just couldn't find the back of the net on that chance.
Set for new season
Pavlovic is already set for the new season, currently in Jeju Island for Bayern Munich's preseason training camp, according to the club.
Analysis: Pavlovic made 24 Bundesliga appearances last season, scoring three goals as part of Bayern's double winning campaign, though minor injuries and competition from Leon Goretzka limited his starts to 16. He closed the season with Germany at the World Cup, playing 274 minutes across four starts without a goal contribution before the tournament ended in a penalty shootout loss to Paraguay, and his early involvement in preseason now shifts focus to building toward a bigger role heading into the new 2026/27 Bundesliga season.
Rough ending to tournament
Pavlovic generated one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Monday's 1-1 (5-4) penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay.
Analysis: Pavlovic had a rough match as Germany exited the World Cup, only playing 79 minutes after earning just one shot, a chance created and four fouls committed in that time. Altogether, the midfielder did not have the best tournament despite his four starts, not earning a single goal contribution in 274 minutes on the field while only recording two interceptions, two clearances and three tackles in the defense as Germany failed to earn a clean sheet.
Earns yellow card
Pavlovic recorded no stats in Thursday's 2-1 defeat versus Ecuador. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 44th minute.
Analysis: Pavlovic had a rough match against Ecuador, as outside of his 35 passes completed, he would not register another stat. Instead, he was more of a pivot in the middle with little use against an ultra-defensive Ecuador. He has started in all three games so far as the knockouts approach, hoping for a bit better performance moving forward than his past two appearances.
Limited impact in win
Pavlovic recorded one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-1 win versus Cote D'ivoire.
Analysis: Pavlovic benefited from his national team's high possession to continue racking up passing numbers, staying close to his average of 65.5 accurate passes per game, even though he played only 60 minutes versus Ivory Coast. Other than that, the midfielder had a quiet outing as he didn't face a lot of defensive work. He has featured in a double pivot alongside Felix Nmecha in the initial pair of games but shared time on the pitch with Nadiem Amiri, who provided an assist off the bench in the last match and could put some pressure in the race for starting spots.
Plays 90 Sunday
Pavlovic recorded three shots, three tackles and a chance created in Sunday's 7-1 win over Curacao.
Analysis: Pavlovic would earn the start for Germany on Sunday and had a decent match in the midfield, completing 63 passes while still having some production in the attack. He would be a part of the play where his team was caught sleeping by Curacao, leading to their goal, although it was not solely on the midfielder. He should remain in the starting role, with Felix Nmecha and Leon Goretzka appearing to be the midfield duo set to rotate.
Set for first World Cup
Pavlovic is expected to be a starter for Germany at the 2026 World Cup.
Analysis: Pavlovic is heading to the World Cup for the first time this summer, not just set to join the team, but likely to be a starter for his nation. He earns this place after breaking onto the scene with Bayern Munich over the past two seasons, most recently starting in 30 of his 38 appearances between UCL and league play this season, adding four goals and two assists during the 2025/26 campaign. He will likely see a similar role with Germany as he sees with Bayern, mainly a defensive midfielder that acts as an anchor and nearly another defender at times. However, he may see some rotation throughout the tournament, sharing time with the likes of Pascal Gross and Angelo Stiller.
Provides one assist in loss
Pavlovic assisted once to go with zero corners and two chances created in Tuesday's 5-4 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Analysis: Pavlovic played a key supporting role in Tuesday's 5-4 defeat against PSG, providing the assist for Michael Olise's equalizing goal in the first half with a precise pass that released the winger, who did the rest with a brilliant solo run and finish, while also adding two key passes and a season-high six tackles. The German midfielder also demonstrated an exemplary work rate alongside Joshua Kimmich against a high-quality PSG midfield, contributing defensively and breaking up play across 90 minutes before being replaced by Nicolas Jackson in stoppage time. Pavlovic has now registered one goal and one assist across 13 Champions League appearances this season, establishing himself as one of the most important ball-winners in coach Vincent Kompany's system.
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