During Borussia Dortmund’s 2–1 win over Monterrey at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, a viral prank stole the spotlight—when a DAZN commentator fell for a completely fake transfer rumor live on air.
The match was a gripping contest. Dortmund scored early, Monterrey hit back in the 24th minute, and despite controlling 58.5% of possession and outshooting Dortmund 14–6, Monterrey were undone by an 83rd-minute winner.
But during a break in play, the commentator mentioned that Bayern Munich were eyeing Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, even comparing him to Michael Ballack.
The claim stunned viewers—because it wasn’t true.
The rumor originated from a parody tweet by @DandMussoccer, posted hours earlier.
Styled like something from NBA Centel—a well-known satirical NBA account—it claimed that Bayern boss Vincent Kompany saw Berhalter as a “Ballack-type” player.
The tweet, paired with a photo of Berhalter, was pure bait and quickly went viral.
🚨 EXCL: Sebastian Berhalter to Bayern Munich, deal now very close. 🔴🇺🇸
— D&M⚽️🇺🇸 (@DandMussoccer) July 1, 2025
Kompany a big fan — sees him as a “Ballack-type” with top-level passing range & leadership. Personal terms fully agreed, just final details between clubs left.
Here we go soon. ✅ #FCBayern pic.twitter.com/koI9eTz05C
It was clearly a joke to most, but the DAZN commentator took the bait and repeated it on air. That moment blew up online.
No credible source has reported any Bayern interest. Berhalter, the son of former USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter, remains with the Vancouver Whitecaps.
But thanks to one NBA-Centel-style tweet, his name briefly lit up the football world—for all the wrong reasons.
