June 2024: Leon Goretzka sits alone on a folding chair on a wooden terrace, gazing at the water. The captain’s armband appears misplaced, worn backwards on his head, as rain falls in the background.
March 2025: Standing tall as a triumphant figure, Goretzka poses before the German fan block in San Siro, arms raised in celebration, fists clenched, and an intense, determined expression on his face.
A span of 285 days separates the melancholic social media photo of a sidelined player—excluded from the 2024 home European Championship—and the jubilant image of Goretzka as a comeback star in Milan. With a stellar performance in the Nations League quarter-final first leg against Italy, culminating in a decisive goal that led to a 2-1 victory, the Bayern Munich midfielder has celebrated a remarkable return to the national team.
“Sometimes, you dare to imagine such a scenario before the game. I actually did this time,” Goretzka shared with ARD. “I must admit, it’s quite a well-rounded story,” he added after his 58th appearance for the national team. With 15 goals, he has also become the top scorer among the current German squad.
Praise from All Sides
Praise has flowed in from various quarters. Bayern teammate Joshua Kimmich expressed his joy for Goretzka, stating, “I’m very happy for him.” Tim Kleindienst, who scored the equalizer, remarked, “It was fun playing with him.” National coach Julian Nagelsmann seemed genuinely relieved to recognize Goretzka as a national player again. “A top comeback; that sounds so grand after everything that has happened. This only happens in football,” he said that night in Milan.
Nagelsmann emphasized Goretzka’s “top character,” countering any assumptions that Goretzka’s earlier demotion at the start of the 2024 EM year was due to reasons beyond sport.
In retrospect, it is clear that Goretzka was simply a casualty of Toni Kroos’s return, which rendered him surplus to requirements in the national team. A backup role would not suit him nor the team. Now, there are no backup scenarios; in his current form, the 30-year-old is the first choice for the number six position.
Only the Partner is in Question
As the team prepares for the return match against Italy on Sunday (20:45/RTL) in Dortmund, the question is not whether Goretzka will play, but who will join him on the field. Options include Pascal Groß, Robert Andrich, or Angelo Stiller. Goretzka has swiftly moved from the sidelines to a leading position.
His character remains unchanged; he often comes across as reserved. A TV interview was enough for him as he briskly walked through the unadorned press area of Giuseppe Meazza Stadium. “I’ve already spoken,” he quietly told the reporters waiting under the bright neon lights.
Silence as Strength
For his stability, power, and winning goal, Nagelsmann praised the Bayern professional. He was also commended for his resilience during tough times and his ability to remain silent amidst criticism. Just as he sat alone by the water in summer 2024.
“He has proven that it’s worth going through valleys and staying out of many discussions; that was his cleverest move—not commenting on everything,” the national coach said about his returning player, whom he had previously subjected to painful demotion and exclusion from the EM. Goretzka is now seen as the “MVP,” the most valuable player.
The long hiatus and non-selection for the home EM last year was “naturally not easy,” Goretzka admitted. The image of sitting by the water lingers. “But I prefer looking forward rather than back. I hope it continues like this,” he concluded.