Franck Ribéry Set for Football Return? Former Star Linked With Surprise Coaching Role

The Bavarian fanbase will be partying all night yet again following the news of this recent development involving the Bayern Munich U23 squad. Recent reports emanating from Germany suggest that Franck Ribery and Dante are returning to Munich to coach the Bavarians' U23 team.

The club's U23 team head coach, Holger Seitz, will be leaving his post, with Dante stepping in to take over the head coaching duties. According to BILD, the Brazilian is also set to take over the position, awaiting official confirmation from the Bundesliga giants. The report also suggests that Franck Ribery is expected to be Dante's assistant coach, with the Frenchman reportedly being open to a comeback to his beloved club.

Is Franck Ribery Returning To Bayern Munich?

While there is no official confirmation about the former Bavarian star making a return to the club, recent reports from German publications have set social media and fans following the club in a buzz. The return of Ribery to Bayern Munich is still undecided since Dante, who is being linked with the U23 head coaching position, is still under contract with Ligue 1 side OGC Nice.

The Brazilian centre back is expected to end his playing career with the OGC Nice at the conclusion of this season and take over the U23 role, having already possessed a coaching license, including the UEFA Pro License.

While talking to BILD at the beginning of 2025, the Frenchman was reportedly quoted as saying:

While Ribery has previously opened up about the pressures of being a football coach, the Frenchman has also confessed his love and enjoyment of coaching young players.

How Did Franck Ribery Perform During His Stint With Bayern Munich?

The Frenchman, who joined the German giants from Ligue 1 side Olympique Marseille in June 2007 for a club record transfer fee of €25 million, had a trophy-laden 12-season stint with Bayern Munich. He made 425 appearances for the Bavarians, while scoring 124 goals, and creating 182 assists alongside some of the club's legendary players like Thomas Mueller, Arjen Robben, Bastian Schweinsteiger, David Alaba, Jérôme Boateng, Philipp Lahm, Manuel Neuer, and Robert Lewandowski.

Ribery won several trophies during his time in Munich, which include 9 Bundesliga titles, 6 DFB Pokals, 4 German Super Cups, 1 UEFA Champions League, 1 FIFA Club World Cup, and 1 UEFA Super Cup.