Champions League history maker lauds Mexican soccer talent
Former Bayern Munich striker Roy Makaay is fostering soccer talent - including Mexican starlets - with the Bayern World Squad.
The former Dutch striker Roy Makaay continues to leave his mark on international soccer. Remembered as a FC Bayern Munich legend - where he played from 2003 to 2007 and won two Bundesliga titles - he now channels his experience into developing young talent around the world.
Makaay also holds a special place in UEFA Champions League history: the record for the fastest goal ever scored in the competition, hitting the net just 10.12 seconds into Bayern’s 2-1 win over Real Madrid CF on March 7, 2007. The mark still stands as a testament to his killer instinct and ability to make an immediate impact.
Bayern World Squad: a global talent platform
Since March 2023, Makaay has served as head coach of the Bayern World Squad, an innovative youth development program created by the German powerhouse. His mission: identify, nurture, and elevate U-19 soccer players from across the globe.
The process begins in January and February, when Makaay and his staff review video submissions from hopefuls. In March, they select between 20 and 25 players from different regions of the world to join the program. In June, the squad travels to South Korea for international competition, and in July, they face Bayern Munich’s U-19 team in a high‑stakes match.
Pillars of the program
The Bayern World Squad operates within a “pro-standard” environment - an elite, professional ecosystem that brings together young players from more than 15 countries and includes:
- World‑class sports science
- Video‑based tactical analysis
- Professional nutrition plans
- Direct training and methodology from Makaay
Unlike traditional academies, players jump straight from their local leagues into an official match against Bayern’s U-19s, facing maximum competitive pressure.
International exposure and a mark of prestige
The project offers not only top‑tier training but also global visibility. The program is produced as an international documentary series, giving immediate exposure to players from regions with limited access to European scouting networks.
Being a World Squad alum has become a recognized credential worldwide. Even those who don’t sign with Bayern have earned contracts in leagues such as Ligue 1, Liga MX, and MLS - solidifying the program’s reputation as a true launching pad.
Mexico: a consistent source of World Squad talent
Mexico has been a regular contributor to World Squad rosters. Makaay highlighted the quality of young Mexican players and recalled several names who have passed through the project.
“In the first year we had Isaías Galván, who’s with Tigres. The second year we had Luis Ibarra and Luis Gómez, Tigres’ goalkeeper,” the Dutchman noted. On Gómez, he added: “I see that he sometimes trains with Tigres’ first team, and hopefully one day he can play in the Mexican league as well.”
Makaay also underlined the historic footballing connection between the Netherlands and Mexico, mentioning current AC Milan striker Santiago Giménez as an example, and offering words of admiration for Hugo Sánchez, whom he considers “the best Mexican player ever” and “a phenomenal striker.” He concluded: “Mexican and Dutch football share a deep history. There have been many Mexican players in the Netherlands - like [Andrés] Guardado or Santiago Giménez.”
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