Leon Christoph Goretzka

VfL Bochum Academy (2001–2012)
Goretzka spent over a decade developing through the youth ranks at VfL Bochum, where he emerged as one of Germany's most promising midfield talents.

Werner SV 06 Bochum (1999–2001)
He took his first steps in organized football at Werner SV 06, laying the groundwork for his future professional career.

Leon Goretzka initiated his professional journey at his hometown club, VfL Bochum, where he emerged as a standout talent during the 2012–13 season. His impressive performances in the 2. Bundesliga attracted significant interest from top European clubs, leading to a high-profile transfer to Schalke 04 in 2013.

During his five-year tenure at Schalke, he developed into a premier central midfielder, gaining crucial experience in both domestic competition and the UEFA Champions League. In July 2018, Goretzka took the next major step in his career by joining Bayern Munich on a free transfer, seamlessly integrating into their star-studded lineup.

He quickly became an indispensable asset for Bayern, scoring his first goal for the club in September 2018 and helping them secure the Bundesliga title in his debut season. The 2019–20 campaign marked a pinnacle in his career as he formed a dominant midfield partnership with Joshua Kimmich, playing a vital role in Bayern Munich's historic treble victory under Hansi Flick.

Throughout the early 2020s, Goretzka continued to add to his trophy cabinet, winning consecutive league titles and making his 200th appearance for Bayern in early 2024. Internationally, he has been a consistent fixture for the Germany national team since 2014, participating in multiple FIFA World Cups and UEFA European Championships.

In 2026, he broke Bayern's all-time record from 1971–72 for the most scored goals in a single season, scoring the 102nd goal of the campaign in a victory over St. Pauli. By early 2026, it was officially announced that he would depart Bayern Munich at the end of the season, marking the end of an immensely successful eight-year era in Bavaria.

Leon Goretzka is known for his disciplined lifestyle and profound commitment to fitness, which perfectly complements his physical playing style. Away from the pitch, he maintains a relatively private personal life, preferring to keep the focus on his athletic and charitable endeavors. He enjoys a stable relationship and values the time spent with his family and close circle of friends in Germany.

Beyond football, Goretzka is highly regarded for his strong social conscience and philanthropic efforts. In 2020, alongside teammate Joshua Kimmich, he co-founded the "We Kick Corona" initiative, raising millions of euros for charitable, social, and medical institutions during the pandemic. He consistently uses his public platform to advocate against racism, antisemitism, and social injustice.

His hobbies include reading about history and engaging in deep conversations regarding remembrance culture, as evidenced by his meaningful meetings with Holocaust survivors like Margot Friedländer. Goretzka believes that professional athletes bear a responsibility to lead by example and speak out on critical societal issues. This blend of intellectual curiosity and moral conviction makes him a deeply respected figure both inside and outside the sporting world.