UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Associate Professor of Art Brian Alfred embarked on a transformative journey when he was invited by Bayern Munich, one of the most iconic and storied soccer clubs in the world, to collaborate with the 2024 World Squad to create permanent murals at their Munich headquarters.

Alfred has played soccer since he was a kid and currently is a volunteer director for Triboro United, a non-profit youth club in Brooklyn.

In Munich, Alfred worked with some of the most talented young soccer players from around the globe, hailing from Nigeria, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, Australia, Korea, Argentina and beyond.

“The goal was not only to create murals, but to imbue the athletes with the spirit of creativity and unity that transcends borders,” he said.

With attention to detail, he mentored the players in the art of mural painting, weaving narratives of their collective journey onto the walls of the World Squad’s headquarters. The murals tell the story of striving to achieve one’s highest potential.

Throughout the project, Alfred’s experience resonated beyond the realms of art-making. He imparted lessons on creativity’s profound role in sport, illustrating how innovation and imagination are integral to pushing boundaries and achieving greatness on and off the field. His teachings were featured in a documentary series that captured the essence of the players’ journey, showcasing not only their athletic prowess but also their growth as artists and global ambassadors of soccer culture.

“The murals are a testament to the power of creativity and collaboration in uniting the world through sport,” said Alfred.