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| Leon Goretzka | |
|---|---|
| Name | Leon Goretzka |
| Fullname | Leon Christoph Goretzka |
| Birth date | 1995-02-06 |
| Birth place | Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany |
| Height | 1.89 m |
| Position | Central midfielder |
| Currentclub | Bayern Munich |
| Youthyears1 | 1999–2001 |
| Youthclubs1 | youthyears2 = 2001–2009 | youthclubs2 = VfL Bochum | youthyears3 = 2009–2012 | youthclubs3 = Schalke 04 | years1 = 2012–2013 | clubs1 = Schalke 04 II | caps1 = 2 | goals1 = 0 | years2 = 2012–2018 | clubs2 = Schalke 04 | caps2 = 116 | goals2 = 14 | years3 = 2018– | clubs3 = Bayern Munich | caps3 = 170 | goals3 = 32 | nationalyears1 = 2010 | nationalteam1 = Germany U15 | nationalcaps1 = 2 | nationalgoals1 = 0 | nationalyears2 = 2010–2011 | nationalteam2 = Germany U16 | nationalcaps2 = 6 | nationalgoals2 = 4 | nationalyears3 = 2011–2012 | nationalteam3 = Germany U17 | nationalcaps3 = 17 | nationalgoals3 = 6 | nationalyears4 = 2013–2015 | nationalteam4 = Germany U21 | nationalcaps4 = 7 | nationalgoals4 = 3 | nationalyears5 = 2014– | nationalteam5 = Germany | nationalcaps5 = 46 | nationalgoals5 = 12 |
Leon Goretzka is a German professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Bayern Munich and the Germany national team. Known for his physical presence, tactical versatility and late runs into the box, he progressed through VfL Bochum and Schalke 04 youth systems before establishing himself at club and international level. Goretzka has won multiple domestic titles with Bayern and featured in major tournaments including the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup.
Goretzka was born in Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia and began playing at local side SV Blau-Weiß Mark before joining VfL Bochum's academy, where youth coaches familiar with players like Marco Reus, Kevin-Prince Boateng, and Simon Zoller noticed his potential. He transferred to Schalke 04's youth setup, which produced talents such as Mesut Özil, Manuel Neuer, Leroy Sané, and Julian Draxler. At Schalke he played in youth competitions alongside contemporaries like Sead Kolašinac and Max Meyer, and represented Germany U17 at tournaments that featured peers such as Timo Werner and Joshua Kimmich.
Goretzka debuted for Schalke 04's senior team in the Bundesliga and quickly attracted attention from clubs and scouts familiar with players like Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thomas Müller. During his time at Schalke he competed in the DFB-Pokal and UEFA Europa League alongside teammates such as Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. In 2018 he signed for Bayern Munich on a free transfer amid interest reported from Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United. At Bayern he formed midfield partnerships with Joshua Kimmich, Thiago Alcântara, Leonardo Bonucci (defensive pairing context), and supported attacking players like Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Müller and Kingsley Coman. He contributed to multiple Bundesliga titles, DFB-Pokal victories, and appearances in the UEFA Champions League final alongside contemporaries such as Sergio Ramos and Virgil van Dijk at opponent clubs.
Goretzka has represented Germany across youth levels including Germany U21 and progressed to the senior squad coached by Joachim Löw and later Hansi Flick. He was part of squads for the UEFA Euro 2016, the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying cycles, and the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament, sharing selections with players like Toni Kroos, Marco Reus, Timo Werner, and Marc-André ter Stegen. Goretzka scored in competitive fixtures and contributed to Germany's Nations League and friendly campaigns against nations such as Brazil, France, Spain, and Argentina.
Goretzka is described as a box-to-box midfielder combining attributes associated with players like Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, and Yaya Touré: aerial ability, late attacking runs, defensive coverage, and passing range. Analysts drawing comparisons to Michael Ballack, Sami Khedira, and Paul Pogba highlighted his physicality and intelligence in transition. Coaches including Jens Keller, David Wagner, and Niko Kovač have praised his tactical adaptability, while pundits from outlets covering UEFA and FIFA matches noted his work rate and clutch scoring in cup competitions and derbies such as the Revierderby and fixtures against Borussia Dortmund, Schalke's rivals.
Goretzka has been involved with charitable initiatives and public health campaigns, collaborating with organizations like UNICEF, German Red Cross affiliates, and local foundations in North Rhine-Westphalia. He studied physiotherapy and has spoken publicly on social issues alongside athletes such as Miroslav Klose and Thomas Müller. His family background in Bochum and connections to regional clubs like VfL Bochum have been noted in profiles by sports magazines referencing figures like Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Uli Hoeneß.
Club - Appearances and goals tally across Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, UEFA Champions League, and other competitions for Schalke 04 and Bayern Munich.
International - Caps and goals for Germany senior team and youth teams including U17 and U21.
With Bayern Munich: multiple Bundesliga titles, DFB-Pokal wins, and DFL-Supercup successes; UEFA club competition appearances including the UEFA Champions League final. With Schalke 04: DFB-Pokal runner-up placings and domestic cup performances. Individually he has been nominated for awards recognizing performances in Bundesliga seasons and tournaments involving teams such as Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen, and VfL Wolfsburg.
Category:1995 births Category:Living people Category:German footballers Category:Association football midfielders