Bayern Munich's Niklas Sule scored an unfortunate own goal with his face (Video)

Bayern Munich’s Niklas Sule is one of the most promising young defenders in Europe. At 22, he’s already one of the best center backs in Germany. He has a German national team future, and perhaps even a present as well.

But don’t let any of that distract from the fact that he scored an incredibly embarrassing own goal against Augsburg on Saturday:

Sule was, of course, helpless, and the goal is more unfortunate than anything else. But there are few things worse than taking a ball to the face in a game watched by millions around the world and having that ball then ricochet into your own net.

Fortunately, Sule – who went down immediately after the ball slammed into him – looked to be OK.

And Bayern as a team, of course, will be fine. The Bavarians equalized 14 minutes later, then took the lead eight minutes before halftime. And if they hold on to beat Augsburg, they’ll clinch a sixth consecutive Bundesliga title.

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Henry Bushnell covers global soccer, and occasionally other ball games, for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Question? Comment? Email him at henrydbushnell@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @HenryBushnell.