Aleksandar Pavlovic reveals the legends shaping his Bayern rise

The 21-year-old defensive midfielder, who has already played 90 matches for Bayern's first team across the Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League, and DFB-Pokal, spoke to the club's magazine about his role models.

"In recent years, Rodri has defined the number six position at Manchester City and he even won the Ballon d'Or," Pavlovic said. "Rodri is a world-class defensive midfielder, even if he has unfortunately had some bad luck with injuries recently."

Pavlovic also highlighted Spanish legend Sergio Busquets. "Busquets was a real role model for me as a child. He was indispensable at Barcelona for years. He was very strong both with and without the ball, always available, and always aware of his surroundings. He was solid defensively and put in a lot of work across the pitch. A real figurehead."

Born in Munich, Pavlovic joined Bayern's youth academy in 2011 at the age of seven from SC Furstenfeldbruck. He progressed through all youth levels before signing his first professional contract on November 1, 2023, and making his senior debut just weeks earlier on October 28.

Since then, he has made 61 Bundesliga appearances, scoring six goals, while also featuring in 18 Champions League matches, six DFB-Pokal games, and five other competitions including the Club World Cup.

"Watching players like Rodri and Busquets has helped me understand the defensive midfield role better," Pavlovic added. "I try to bring the same consistency and intelligence to my own game."

With his mix of tactical awareness, defensive strength, and experience across Europe's top competitions, Pavlovic is quickly becoming a key figure for Bayern's midfield.