The 113th minute of that match on July 13, 2014, might have been the happiest moment of Mario Götze’s life. The young footballer, substituting for the legendary Miroslav Klose , who holds the record for the most goals in World Cups, controlled a cross from Schürrle with his chest and scored the decisive goal, giving Germany their fourth star against Argentina led by Messi . This iconic moment remains etched in the memories of football fans worldwide.
A year before this triumphant moment, the *Golden Boy* had signed with Bayern Munich , eager to play under the guidance of Pep Guardiola , even though his roots were firmly planted in Borussia Dortmund . Guided by Jürgen Klopp , Götze had flourished at Dortmund. However, at the pinnacle of his career, something within him broke. In a heartfelt letter to *The Players’ Tribune*, he revealed, “They expected me to be a superstar for the next ten years, but that is a heavy burden.” This expectation weighed heavily on him, showcasing the personal toll of fame.
The pressures were manifold. Götze had to uproot his family to Munich, where his younger brother faced bullying at school for the perceived “betrayal” Götze committed by leaving Dortmund. Additionally, at Bayern, he struggled to reach the heights he had achieved with Dortmund, ultimately returning to his former club three years later. This period was marred by an unending string of injuries, revealing a chronic problem that would ultimately define the latter stage of his career.
In 2017, *Bild* reported that Götze was suffering from a metabolic myopathy , a condition that hampers the body’s energy processing. This leads to increased fatigue and a higher predisposition to muscle injuries. Despite the challenges posed by this condition, which can even lead to mobility issues, Götze made a remarkable comeback just 130 days later, assisting in a victory against Wolfsburg .
It took nearly a season for him to regain his former level, as a ankle ligament tear plus other issues nearly sidelined him for the 2017/18 season. However, in the following year, he finally showcased glimpses of the talent that had made him a household name during the 2014 World Cup, finishing that season with seven goals and seven assists .
A New Setback
Unfortunately, the pandemic would once again derail Götze’s career. In 2020, during a routine check for their first pregnancy, Ann-Katrhin Brömmel , his wife since 2019, was informed that their baby’s heart was beating irregularly. Following a critical cesarean section, Götze faced a life-altering decision: football or family? “That is not even a decision,” he wrote, prioritizing his family over his career.
On June 5, 2020, their son Rome was born, but by the end of the month, Götze’s contract with Borussia Dortmund expired, and he found himself without a club at 29 years old. His past conversations with Klopp , who had invited him to Liverpool in 2016, and Hansi Flick , who had sought to reclaim him for Bayern shortly before his son’s health scare, echoed in his mind. For months, silence reigned, leading the once Golden Boy to deep concern.
Götze took the initiative and contacted Roger Schmidt , a German coach he knew who happened to be managing PSV Eindhoven . This call proved pivotal, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career. “I don’t think he knows how important that was for me, not just for my career but as a person,” Götze expressed. He reignited his passion for football in the Netherlands, netting twelve goals and providing eleven assists over two seasons before making his return to the Bundesliga—a league he has a love-hate relationship with.
Identity and Maturity
Today, Götze describes himself as “first a father and then a footballer.” In an open letter, he reflects on his career journey, which has now led him to Eintracht Frankfurt . Within the German side, he has become a guiding figure and mentor for younger, talented players like Can Uzun , who possesses traits reminiscent of Götze’s early career.
Over two seasons with Frankfurt, the midfielder has averaged four goals and five assists . After overcoming his recent injury, he is poised to challenge the fervent Atlético side following a heated derby on Saturday. Whether from the pitch or the bench, Götze feels liberated now that the heavy burden from that unforgettable goal in 2014 at Maracanã has been lifted.