Updated on September 24th, 2021, 2:11 pm
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- Leon Goretzka recently extended his contract until 2026.
- The German national player has long been an important factor at FC Bayern not only on, but also off the pitch.
- Justin Kraft from “miasanrot.de” explains why, from his point of view, “more Goretzkas in football” are needed.
In the past few weeks, FC Bayern has tied two important pieces of the puzzle to itself over the long term. First Joshua Kimmich extended his contract until 2025, then his midfield colleague also signed Leon Goretzka until 2026.
“Leon Goretzka is a perfect match for FC Bayern for many reasons: On the one hand, his sporting qualities are valued across Europe. On the other hand, he has an impact as a personality beyond the field of play,” said Bayern President Herbert Hainer in the club announcement, praising the former Schalke player.
With Goretzka and Kimmich, the Munich team has secured the top German line-up for their midfield center from a purely sporting point of view and at the same time also has two popular figures on and off the pitch in the team.
Bayern author Kraft: “needs more Goretzkas in football”
At the beginning of the corona pandemic, the duo founded the social initiative “We kick Corona” and collected millions there, which could then be used to support social projects.
In addition, Goretzka is particularly noticeable with political statements in which, for example, he clearly distances himself from the AfD. The Bochum native has thus also won a firm place in the hearts of many Bayern fans and sympathizers.
“I think that more Goretzkas are needed in football. Players who openly and consistently show values such as tolerance, basic democratic understanding, political interest or the commitment to marginalized groups in society and do not just hide them behind slogans or unique symbols,” explains Justin Kraft from the Bayern blog “miasanrot.de” in conversation with our editorial team.
“FC Bayern knows that Goretzka gets a lot of applause”
Football, politics and society are not three separate areas, “they belong closer together than many admit,” says Kraft and adds, referring to the Bayern professional: “Goretzka keeps positioning himself there with clever words and great actions . “
From his point of view, Goretzka is someone “whom many young professionals and people would like to orientate themselves by – maybe even should.”
But not only Goretzka himself, but also FC Bayern appear in a different light through Goretzka’s statements. “FC Bayern knows that Goretzka gets a lot of applause for his political statements and his commitment next to the pitch – and of course he knows how to market it. So you can be pretty sure that this played an important role behind the sporting quality.” , says the author of the Bayern blog.
Due to Goretzka’s charisma, it could also happen that “other issues such as the connection to Qatar occasionally fade into the background”. However, Kraft emphasizes: “I do believe that both sides share a lot of values apart from this component.”
“I would like more children to wear a Goretzka jersey”
When asked about Goretzka’s role as a role model for younger people, the author says: “On the country’s football fields, a large proportion of the jerseys with the names Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo or Neymar will be flocked. Goretzka will not reach these spheres, but I think nevertheless, that his manner and his commitment do not go unnoticed by young people either. “
Kraft adds: “The fact that Goretzka deals with all of these topics, in addition to his actual career, shows that he is aware of them and that he tries to convey something to these people. I find that praiseworthy. That’s why I would also like it that even more children wear his jersey on the football fields. “
Because a jersey of the Bayern player with the number 18 is now much more than a purely sporting “declaration of love”, especially in the circle of fans and sympathizers of the record champions.
About the expert:
Justin Kraft has been analyzing for the Bayern blog “miasanrot.de” since 2016. His book “Generation Lahmsteiger” was nominated for football book of the year award in 2019. He is also a regular guest in television, radio and podcast formats.
Sources used:
- Conversation with Justin Kraft
- Fcbayern.com: Leon Goretzka extends contract
After Joshua Kimmich, FC Bayern Munich has also tied a second supporter to the club in the long term in Leon Goretzka. Negotiating a new contract with two other national players could be more difficult. (Teaser image: Getty Images / David Ramos) © Sky
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