Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting: From Human Victory Cigar To Bayern Munich's Most Reliable Striker

There have been many jokes about Choupo-Moting in recent years but this season, the 33-year-old is turning it all around by becoming Bayern's most reliable no.9.

There are plenty of good Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting jokes out there. There is the one about his agent: “In my next life, I want to become Choupo’s agent.” Then there is the one about whenever Choupo-Moting is brought on: “The human victory cigar.” And plenty more…

In truth, every joke has some truth to it. Choupo-Moting’s agency ROGON certainly can be applauded for having made the most of a career that had significant obstacles. After a tough stint at Schalke, Choupo-Moting joined Stoke in 2017—in many respects, the graveyard of any serious football career.

But instead of becoming a dead-end, Stoke became an opportunity. The English club were relegated at the end of the 2017/18 season, but Choupo-Moting’s five goals and five assists somehow earned him a free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain. Granted, PSG were coached by his former Mainz boss Thomas Tuchel, who needed a reliable backup for his army of superstar strikers.

Once again, however, Choupo-Moting made the most of his opportunity. Nine goals and three assists in 51 games were enough to convince Bayern to sign the striker as a backup for Robert Lewandowski.