The name Leon Goretzka has been on everyone’s lips for weeks. Sporty because of his achievements, but also because he has prevailed against all resistance.
Living to death longer, it is said. Leon Goretzka has proven exactly that in the past few weeks and months. What wasn’t written about him? “Do you still need Goretzka?” “Is that still enough?” Some no longer saw him with Bayern or in the national team. He deliberately did not comment on this, all of which ended up. He gave the answer on the pitch.
In the meantime, he has become an integral part of Bayern. And after his strong DFB comeback against Italy, no longer from the national team. Without overdoing: this is like a football miracle. A fairy tale that could not be written more beautiful.
Leon Goretzka fought, bitten through when coach like Thomas Tuchel and Vincent Kompany wanted to send him into the desert at Bayern for a long time. Of course there were also justified, sporty criticisms of the midfielder. Julian Nagelsmann will also have had good reasons not to nominate him for the home European Championships in the summer of 2024. But Goretzka also had to listen to a lot beyond that – and nevertheless never gave up.
And not only because he didn’t give up when many others simply threw in his situation or changed the club. But he also stands out because he does not deny his roots, remains true to himself. So when his youth club Bochum had to play in the relegation, he stood in the VfL jersey in the stadium.
Goretzka is also steadfast when it comes to taking a position and interfering in political debates. At the EM 2021, for example, he went to the Hungarian fans when he was provocative with a heart gesture after a goal. At that time, a debate in Hungary about the rights of the LGBTQ movement had flared up. Goretzka later posted a picture with his heart gesture, wrote: “Spread love. Yes !!!!!!!!! Wembley calls!” In addition a rainbow flag. It should be a clear sign of tolerance and solidarity with the LGBTQ community.
Of course there was also criticism, and the question arose whether a footballer could provoke. But also here: the 30-year-old is not impressed by such debates.
The story that Leon Goretzka wrote above all in the past few weeks has struggled against all resistance – it is precisely such stories that people need in these moving, politically disturbing times. People like Goretzka encourage and are a bright spot. There should be more players like him.