Kim Min-jae (Korean: 김민재; born November 15, 1996) is a South Korean professional footballer who plays as a center-back for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and the South Korea national team.
Renowned for his physicality, tactical intelligence, and aerial dominance, Kim is regarded as one of the best defenders globally. His transfer to Bayern Munich in 2023 for €50 million made him the most expensive Asian footballer in history.
Kim Min-jae Salary and Net Worth
His Salary and Net Worth in 2025
Kim Min-jae’s career progression has been matched by his growing financial stature. At Bayern Munich, his reported salary is around €5 million annually, reflecting his status as a top defender in one of Europe’s elite clubs. Combined with endorsements and bonuses, his estimated net worth in 2025 is approximately $15 million.
His market value surged after helping Napoli win the 2022-23 Serie A title and his record-breaking transfer to Bayern. Endorsements from Asian and global brands also contribute substantially to his income.
Kim Min-jae Age and Height
As of August 2025, Min-jae is 28 years old, born on November 15, 1996, in Tongyeong, South Korea. He stands tall at 1.90 meters (6 ft 3 in) and weighs about 85 kilograms (187 lbs).
His imposing stature and athleticism make him a commanding presence in defense, excelling in aerial duels and physical challenges.
Kim Min-jae’s Wife or Girlfriend
Kim Min-jae maintains a private personal life, with no public confirmation of marriage or a girlfriend as of 2025. He focuses primarily on his football career and national team duties.
Unlike many football stars, Kim prefers to keep his relationships away from the media spotlight.
Latest Career News of Kim Min-jae
What’s New in Kim Min-jae’s Career? In July 2023, Min-jae made headlines by transferring to Bayern Munich from Napoli for a fee reportedly around €50 million, breaking the record for the highest transfer fee paid for an Asian player. Since joining Bayern, Kim has quickly integrated into the starting lineup.
During the 2023–24 Bundesliga season, he scored his first goal for Bayern and was recognized in the Bundesliga Best XI by fans. Despite some criticisms over inconsistency and tactical errors, his defensive contributions have been crucial for Bayern’s Bundesliga title chase.
Kim faced challenges with injuries, including Achilles tendinitis, but showed resilience by returning to form and delivering key performances in the Champions League, including a Player of the Match award against Paris Saint-Germain in late 2024.
Read also more related footballer’s profiles: Kaoru Mitoma
Sergio Aguero‘s career.
Kim Min-jae’s Achievements
Key Career Highlights and Awards
K League 1 Titles (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors): 2017, 2018
K League Young Player of the Year: 2017
Serie A Champion with Napoli: 2022–23 season
Serie A Best Defender: 2022–23
Bundesliga Title with Bayern Munich: 2023–24
Most expensive Asian footballer transfer: €50 million to Bayern Munich, 2023
Süper Lig Team of the Season: 2021–22 (with Fenerbahçe)
Played in the 2022 FIFA World Cup representing South Korea
Exemption from South Korean military service due to the 2018 Asian Games gold medal victory
His football career, net worth, age, height, salary, net worth, wife, and biography
Here’s a detailed biography table with available information on Kim Min-jae based on public knowledge:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kim Min-jae (김민재) |
| Age | 28 years (as of August 2025) |
| Height | 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) |
| Weight | Approximately 85 kg (187 lbs) |
| Birth Date | November 15, 1996 |
| Birth Place | Tongyeong, South Korea |
| College | Yonsei University (dropped out in 2016 to turn pro) |
| Turned Professional | 2016 (joined semi-pro Gyeongju KHNP) |
| Professional Wins | N/A (footballer – performance measured in appearances/goals/clean sheets) |
| Highest Ranking | N/A (no official individual rankings in football) |
| Wife | None (not publicly disclosed) |
| Girlfriend | Not publicly known |
| Father’s Name | Not publicly disclosed |
| Mother’s Name | Not publicly disclosed |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed (likely Buddhist or Christian, common in South Korea) |
| Wiki Page | Kim Min-jae Wikipedia (searchable online) |
| Nickname | “Kim the Wall,” “Asian Defensive Rock” |
| Current Club | Bayern Munich (Bundesliga) |
| Position | Centre-back |
| National Team | South Korea |
| Notable Awards | Serie A Best Defender (2022–23), K League Young Player of the Year (2017), Asian Games Gold Medalist (2018) |
Frequently Asked Questions about Min-jae
Which clubs has Kim Min-jae played for before Bayern Munich?
Min-jae’s career journey includes stints at Gyeongju KHNP, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (South Korea), Beijing Guoan (China), Fenerbahçe (Turkey), and Napoli (Italy) before joining Bayern Munich in 2023.
What position does Kim Min-jae play?
Kim Min-jae is a center-back known for his strength, positioning, and ability to read the game.
How tall is Kim Min-jae?
He is 1.90 meters (6 feet 3 inches) tall.
Did Kim Min-jae participate in the 2022 FIFA World Cup?
Yes, Kim was part of South Korea’s squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, playing key matches in the group stage and knockout rounds.
Is Kim Min-jae married?
As of 2025, no public sources confirm that Min-jae is married or in a relationship.
Why is Kim Min-jae considered one of the best defenders?
His combination of physicality, tactical awareness, aerial dominance, and ability to play out from the back has earned him accolades across multiple leagues in Asia and Europe.
Final Thoughts
Min-jae is a symbol of South Korean football excellence and an increasingly influential player on the European stage. At just 28, his best years lie ahead, and with Bayern Munich, he aims to solidify his legacy as one of the finest defenders worldwide.
His rise from humble beginnings to record-breaking transfers epitomizes dedication, talent, and ambition.
