Mathew Collins, the 21-year-old son of Genesis legend Phil Collins, has completed a surprise move to former Bundesliga champions 1860 Munich. The midfielder has signed a one-year contract after impressing coaches during a successful trial.
The Switzerland-born youngster joins the German club after spending last season with Austrian second-tier side Austria Salzburg. 1860 Munich confirmed the signing on Friday as they prepare for their new campaign in Germany's fourth tier.
A historic German club
Despite now playing in the Regionalliga, 1860 Munich are one of Germany's most historic clubs. They were founding members of the Bundesliga in 1963 and won the German title in the 1965/66 season.
The club have also lifted the German Cup twice and reached the 1965 European Cup Winners' Cup final, where they were beaten by West Ham at Wembley.
Career development
Mathew has spent much of his career developing in Austria and Germany after coming through the youth ranks at Astoria Walldorf and Hannover 96. He moved to WSG Tirol in 2023 before joining Austria Salzburg for the 2025/26 campaign.
During his time with WSG Tirol, he faced Harry Kane while taking on Bayern Munich in a pre-season friendly in the summer of 2024. Last season he made four league appearances for Austria Salzburg and also featured once in the Austrian Cup.
The youngster has already linked up with his new teammates and watched on as 1860 Munich began their season with a 2-2 draw away at FC Schweinfurt.
The Collins family
While Mathew pursues a football career, his father Phil remains one of Britain's most successful musicians. The former Genesis drummer and lead singer has enjoyed a hugely successful solo career with hits including In the Air Tonight and You Can't Hurry Love.
Phil Collins has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, once with Genesis and again as a solo artist. He is also father to actress Lily Collins, musician Simon Collins, actress and producer Joely Collins, drummer Nic Collins, and Mathew, who is now hoping to make his own name on the football pitch rather than the music stage.
