Kimmich Returns as Dortmund's Empathy Colors an Emotional Klassiker

Joshua Kimmich returned to strengthen Bayern Munich in Der Klassiker against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday (local time), days after his father, Berthold, died at the age of 57. The 30-year-old midfielder had missed the last three matches for bereavement reasons, but chose to start at the Allianz Arena—a decision that signaled his determination to return to routine amid deep mourning.

The match itself was fiercely contested. Both teams were chasing their first win of the 2026/27 season, but the emotional atmosphere stood out more. Kimmich, who is also a Germany national team teammate of several Dortmund players, received special attention from the opposing camp. At the half-time break, Dortmund coach Niko Kovač—who once managed Bayern and knows Kimmich well—patted the midfielder on the shoulder as a gesture of sympathy. Kimmich later revealed that he had thanked Kovač for a message sent days earlier. “It meant a lot,” he said.

Similar empathy came from the Dortmund players, especially defender Nico Schlotterbeck, who offered his condolences immediately after the match ended. The moment seemed to affirm that rivalry on the pitch does not erase humanity among players. Even when the match ended dramatically through Fabio Silva's late equalizer, the emotional mood lingered.

Kimmich's return to the pitch was not without reason. He admitted that playing football helped him find a sense of normalcy again after such a sudden loss. “This week has been very hard for me and my family. My father was always there for me, supporting me, and believing in me even when I doubted myself. Sometimes we want the world to stop for a moment, but the world keeps turning. That is why I am glad to be back,” he said.

Bayern's interim coach, Aaron Danks, again standing in for Vincent Kompany, praised his captain's performance. According to him, Kimmich brought energy and high professionalism amid a difficult situation. “Joshua was everywhere. The players gave everything and left all their energy on the pitch,” Danks said. The performance was seen as showing Kimmich's strong character, still delivering at his best despite personal tragedy.

For Bayern, the draw may feel disappointing, but there is added value to take from it: Kimmich proved that football is not only about tactics and wins. The empathy shown by Dortmund, from coach to players, reflects that rivalry in Germany still upholds human values. Kimmich himself hopes to keep playing and help the team achieve positive results in the coming matches.

Looking ahead, the remaining question is how Kimmich will manage the emotional burden and performance demands over the rest of the season. With a packed schedule and high expectations, Bayern will certainly hope the midfielder remains the anchor in midfield. Meanwhile, German football fans may remember this Der Klassiker not only for the score, but for solidarity that transcends club boundaries.