Leon Goretzka grew up in Bochum and came through VfL Bochum’s academy before moving to Schalke in 2013. He joined Bayern Munich on a free transfer in 2018.
He won the 2020 Champions League as part of a treble and many Bundesliga titles. A powerful box-to-box midfielder, he is known for his late runs into the box and his physical strength.
Goretzka won Olympic silver with Germany in 2016 and the 2017 Confederations Cup. He joined Aston Villa on a free transfer in 2026.
Playing style
Goretzka is a powerful box-to-box midfielder who combines physical strength with good technique. He makes late runs into the box, scores important goals and is strong in the tackle. At his best, including in Bayern’s 2020 treble-winning season, he was one of the most dominant midfielders in Europe. His move to Aston Villa at the end of his Bayern contract gave him a new challenge in the Premier League.
International career
Goretzka made his Germany debut in 2014 and has won more than 55 caps. He played at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and at Euro 2020. He won the 2017 Confederations Cup and Olympic silver in 2016.
Career in numbers
Goretzka’s senior club career, which began in 2012/13, has so far brought 494 appearances and 74 goals for 3 clubs. The 2018/19 season, with 9 goals from 42 matches for Bayern Munich, remains his highest tally. His busiest campaign was 2025/26, with 48 appearances. The full season-by-season record is in the Stats section of this profile.