Treble Hero Dante Set for Emotional Bayern Munich Return Following Professional Retirement

Dante retires from OGC Nice to take over Bayern Munich's U23 side. Read about the 2013 treble winner’s return to the Bavarian coaching staff in 2026.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 22, 2026, 8:01 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from YSScores

A Legendary Career Reaches Its Final Chapter

The enduring professional journey of Dante Bonfim Costa Santos is officially entering its twilight weeks following the defender's formal retirement announcement. After more than 24 years on the pitch, including a decade-long tenure as the defensive anchor for OGC Nice, the Brazilian veteran confirmed that the current 2025/26 campaign will be his last as an active player. Dante, who turned 42 last October, noted that while his physical recovery remains surprisingly robust, the time has come to transition into a new role that allows his current club to begin their own structural planning for the future.

The Tactical Homecoming to Säbener Straße

While his playing days are concluding in France, Dante’s next professional chapter will see him return to the familiar surroundings of Munich. Reports from Sky Sports and journalist Florian Plettenberg indicate that the former Champions League winner has already finalized a contract with Bayern Munich to join their youth development hierarchy. The move marks a significant homecoming for a player who became a cult hero at the Allianz Arena between 2012 and 2015, where he was a pivotal member of the historic 2013 treble-winning side under Jupp Heynckes.

Taking the Reins of the Bavarian Reserves

Dante is slated to take over as the head coach of Bayern Munich’s U23 team, effectively succeeding Holger Seitz, who has been a long-term fixture in the club’s youth system. This appointment is part of a broader restructuring at the FC Bayern Campus overseen by new director Michael Wiesinger. In his new capacity, Dante will not only manage the reserve squad in the Regionalliga but will also provide tactical oversight for the U19 and U17 categories, ensuring a cohesive defensive philosophy is instilled across the club’s most advanced youth tiers.