Mathew Collins, the son of music icon Phil Collins, has taken the next step in his football journey after agreeing a move to former Bundesliga title winners 1860 Munich.
The German club announced the arrival of the 21-year-old midfielder, confirming that Collins has joined on a one-year deal.
Born in Switzerland, Mathew previously developed within the academy system at Bundesliga outfit Hannover 96 before continuing his senior career elsewhere.
He spent last season with Austria Salzburg, making four first-team appearances, before departing the Austrian club at the end of the campaign.
Phil Collins, 75, has been seen supporting his son’s sporting ambitions, attending one of Mathew’s matches in November. Mathew later shared another photo with his legendary father in April.
Mathew Collins has joined former German champions 1860 Munich, who currently play in the fourth tier
Mathew is the son of Phil Collins, the celebrated former Genesis drummer and singer
Phil, one of rock’s most recognisable figures, has previously spoken about his son’s deep interest in sport and his determination to pursue a career in football.
‘Mat loves music, but loves his football even more,’ said Phil, the former drummer and later lead singer of rock band Genesis.
‘He is certain he’ll turn professional. ‘The other day he said, “Another five years and I’ll be gone.”
‘He also looks at everything, Bundesliga, French league, everything.’
Mathew’s latest challenge with 1860 Munich comes after the historic German side dropped into the fourth tier last season.
1860 Munich had finished eighth in the third-tier 3. Liga last term, but the club were relegated after failing to obtain a licence ahead of the new season.
The club were founding members of the Bundesliga and won the German title in 1966, as well as German Cups in 1942 and 1964.
1860 Munich last featured in the top flight in the 2003-04 season, but have since slipped down the divisions after financial difficulties and the recent failure to receive a licence for the third tier.
Despite being part of the lower leagues, Mathew still could have the chance to face England captain Harry Kane this season should 1860 Munich be drawn against their local rivals Bayern Munich in the German Cup this season.
Mathew had shared a photo with his father after he had watched one of his matches for Austria Salzburg last season
Mathew’s half-sister Lily, the star of Emily in Paris, said she ‘couldn’t be prouder’ following his move
Phil isn’t Mathew’s only superstar relative, with half sister Lily having starred as an actress, most notably in the lead role in Emily in Paris.
Lily showed her support for Mathew’s latest move, responding on Instagram: ‘Couldn’t be prouder of you! Sooooo exciting!’
Phil revealed this weekend that his children Mathew, Lily, Joely, Simon and Nic had all been summoned to say their final goodbyes to the singer after he almost drank himself to death two years ago.
The 75-year-old singer admitted things could have gone ‘terribly wrong’ back in April 2024 when he was lying unconscious in a Swiss hospital, prompting his long-term manager to call his five kids to his bedside to make some tough decisions.
Phil told The Sunday Times Magazine: ‘Because there were some decisions to be made about ‘Do we keep Phil on life support?’ kind of thing. My kidneys were packing up, my organs were just seizing up. People were coming to say goodbye…
‘But I don’t remember them coming, I didn’t have no idea this was going on. They were all worried that they wouldn’t see me again. It could have gone terribly wrong.’
Phil recovered, though he has a number of other health issues, including type 2 diabetes and nerve damage in his hands, and needs crutches to walk following multiple surgeries on his spine and knees.
