Kimmich dedicates first goal of season to late father after Bayern win over Mainz

Joshua Kimmich dedicated his opening goal in Bayern Munich's 2-1 Bundesliga win over Mainz 05 on Saturday to the memory of his late father, according to Get German Football News. The 31-year-old midfielder scored in the 14th minute and celebrated by leaping into the air and pointing toward the heavens.

Kimmich's father, Berthold, died in October at the age of 57. Kimmich subsequently missed three competitive fixtures before returning in the previous weekend's 2-2 draw against Borussia Dortmund. Speaking to Kicker after the Mainz match, he said returning to the pitch had been emotionally difficult. "When I'm playing football, that's when I think about him most often, because football connected us so deeply," he said, adding that he thought of his father immediately after scoring.

Kimmich also praised the unity within the squad during a period in which head coach Vincent Kompany has been unavailable due to illness. Teammate Aleksandar Pavlovic echoed that sentiment, describing the club as a family on and off the pitch. Kimmich acknowledged the win was not Bayern's most convincing display but felt the team managed its lead professionally.