Leroy Sané’s pace was always going to be a problem for defenders – it was just a matter of time before he figured out how to harness it. At 19, he was already a handful for Bundesliga full-backs, but his decision-making was still raw. It took a move to Manchester City and the guidance of Pep Guardiola to turn that speed into a game-changing asset.
Growing up in Essen, Germany, Sané’s path to the top was far from straightforward. His mother, Regina Weber, was an Olympic rhythmic gymnast, and his father, Souleymane Sané, played for several clubs in Germany’s lower divisions. Leroy’s own journey began at SG Wattenscheid 09 before a move to Schalke 04’s academy. It was there that he began to make a name for himself, scoring freely for the youth teams and catching the eye of scouts from across Europe.
Sané’s breakthrough came in 2014 when he made his Bundesliga debut for Schalke. His pace and trickery immediately set him apart, and he quickly established himself as a regular in the team. A year later, Manchester City came calling, and Sané made the move to the Premier League. It was a big step up, but he was ready. Under Guardiola, he refined his game, learning how to use his speed to devastating effect.
The peak years of Sané’s career were undoubtedly his time at Manchester City. He formed a deadly attacking trio with Sergio Agüero and Raheem Sterling, and the three of them tore the Premier League apart. Sané’s pace and skill on the wing were a nightmare for opposing defenders, and he chipped in with crucial goals in big games. He won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and two League Cups during his time at the Etihad.
One moment that defines Sané’s career is his performance in the 2019 FA Cup semi-final against Brighton. City were struggling to break down the Seagulls’ defense, but Sané’s introduction from the bench changed the game. He scored one and set up another as City ran out 1-0 winners. It was a match-winning display that showcased his ability to change the course of a game.
Today, Sané is still a force to be reckoned with, albeit in a different context. His move to Bayern Munich in 2020 was seen as a chance for him to return to his homeland and rediscover his form. While injuries have been a problem, he remains a potent attacking threat, and his experience has been invaluable to the Bavarians.
Latest
Sané left Bayern Munich in 2025 and joined Galatasaray in Turkey.