From Futsal to Munich: Jon and Emre Join the FC Bayern Global Academy
Jul 30
3 min read
We’re incredibly proud to announce that Jon and Emre Gurcanlar, two standout players from our Futsal Academy, have officially been signed for the FC Bayern Global Academy for the 2025/26 season.
This August, the brothers will make the move to Munich, Germany, joining a select group of top U18 players from around the world to train under the elite coaching staff of Germany's most successful club.
Two Players. One Dream.
Jon and Emre, who have been with our futsal academy for over two years, have shown outstanding commitment, technical ability, and maturity beyond their years. They first connected with FC Bayern’s coaching staff during one of our Futsal Camps this past winter—where their potential was recognized.
Following a formal application and evaluation process, they were chosen from thousands of international applicants to join the 2025/26 FC Bayern Global Academy roster. Their journey is a shining example of what dedication—and futsal—can make possible.
What Is the FC Bayern Global Academy?
The FC Bayern Global Academy is the most recent addition to the club’s international youth development pathway. Designed to bridge the gap between the FC Bayern Youth Cup (U16) and the FC Bayern World Squad (U19), the program offers top U18 talents from around the world an 8-month residential experience at the FC Bayern Campus in Munich.
Daily training sessions with Bayern coaches
Weekly matches streamed live for families
Academic education through online school
Cultural immersion & German language lessons
Full room & board, medical care, and mentorship
Weekend team events, home game tickets, and more
The academy is led by World Cup winner Klaus Augenthaler, along with an expert coaching team that includes Lucas Scholl, Bernd Dreher, and Denis Teschke.
The FC Bayern Campus
Jon and Emre will be training at the FC Bayern Campus, one of the most advanced youth development facilities in Europe. Opened in 2017, the 30-hectare site includes eight football pitches, a 2,500-seat stadium, and dedicated training areas for athletic development, rehabilitation, and recovery. It also houses the Allianz FC Bayern Academy, complete with player apartments, classrooms, and support staff ranging from tutors to sports psychologists. With all youth teams—from U9s to U19s—based on site, the campus is built to mirror the structure and standards of the club’s first team, located just three kilometers away. It’s an environment designed to prepare top talents for the next level.
Opportunities That Go Beyond the Court
“This is a great accomplishment for our Academy,” said Coach Thiago, Head of Futsal Americas. “Jon and Emre were first identified during one of our futsal camps, and to now see them joining the FC Bayern Global Academy is a proud moment—not just for them, but for everyone involved in their journey. We are very happy to provide our players with real opportunities beyond our program, connecting them to one of the biggest football clubs in the world. This isn’t just a badge or a name—it’s an authentic partnership where we prepare our players for the next big step in their careers.”
“As a club, we’re also proud to be sending five of our Academy players to the FC Bayern Youth Cup USA Talent ID this August, and to have younger players invited to Munich for the FC Bayern Talent Days. These milestones show that our development model is working—and that there’s a clear pathway for players who are serious about their growth.”
The FC Bayern Pathway: One Step Closer to the Dream
FC Bayern’s international development model is built on a clear pathway that begins as early as U8, progressing through:
Camps & Schools
ID Programs
FC Bayern Youth Cup (U16)
FC Bayern Global Academy (U18)
FC Bayern World Squad (U19)
Professional Contract Opportunities
This holistic approach gives players multiple entry points to pursue elite-level football while developing as complete individuals.
One inspiring example is Victor Orakpo, who began at a Nigeria-based selection camp and rose through the Youth Cup and World Squad to earn a pro contract with OGC Nice.
What’s Next: Youth Cup USA Talent ID in August
This August, we will be sending a select group of 5 of our academy players, born between 2009 and 2010 to Portland, Oregon, for the FC Bayern Youth Cup USA Talent ID Event, hosted at the Adidas North America headquarters.
The Youth Cup is one of the largest U16 international tournaments organized by a professional club. Players selected at the USA event will be invited to represent Team USA at the global finals in Munich, joining players from over 15 countries. Since its launch, more than 100,000 players have participated, and many have gone on to sign professional contracts or represent their national teams.
This is a major opportunity for our players, and we’re excited to support them through the next phase of their development.
