Goretzka's Emotional Bayern Farewell Ends With Trophy Lift

Bayern Munich's 5-1 demolition of 1. FC Köln at the Allianz Arena doubled as a farewell party for Leon Goretzka. The 31-year-old midfielder, playing his last home game for the club, made sure the night was about the supporters, not just the silverware.

While teammates doused each other in wheat beer during the traditional title-celebration spray, Goretzka took a different approach. He walked directly to the South Stand, handed a full glass to the Ultras in the front row, and watched the beer go where it belonged—into thirsty mouths. He then upgraded the moment by passing the championship trophy into the crowd.

"That showed me I was and am part of the family here," Goretzka said afterward. "That's something I'm proud of." Harry Kane, meanwhile, jokingly called the beer shower "cold."

A Day of Sentimental Gestures

The emotional arc of the afternoon started long before kick-off. On the team bus, Goretzka and a few teammates stayed behind to squeeze in one last Mario Kart match. During warm-ups, the stadium played Herbert Grönemeyer's "Bochum," the unofficial anthem of his hometown and youth club VfL Bochum, in his honor. In the South Stand, fans sang "Tief im Westen" while holding red-and-blue scarves aloft; one was later draped around Goretzka's neck.

Minutes before the match, chairman Jan-Christian Dreesen, sporting director Max Eberl, and sporting director Christoph Freund presented him with a commemorative collage and a bouquet of flowers. Manager Vincent Kompany started him in the lineup, and Goretzka repaid the faith by assisting Kane's 4-1 goal—his 104th goal or assist in 311 appearances for Bayern. He was substituted shortly after to chants and a standing ovation.

After the final whistle, the FC Bayern Ultras unfurled a huge banner in front of the entire South Stand reading: "Bochum lad in red and white – Thank you for eight years, Leon." Captain Manuel Neuer then allowed Goretzka the honor of being the first to lift the league trophy.

From Sextuple Hero to Comeback Story

Goretzka's eight seasons at Bayern were a study in contrasts. He was an undisputed regular and midfield powerhouse in the 2020 sextuple-winning squad. Later, he was often labeled an overpaid player earmarked for sale—a symbol of Munich's bloated wage structure. In summer 2024, Bayern tried to push him out; Kompany even left him out of matchday squads. Goretzka stayed, worked on, and eventually reclaimed minutes after rivals got injured.

"He's weathered some difficult times. That's always been a defining trait for him," noted Jonathan Tah. "When you thought it was over, he just carried on and fought his way back time and again. I find that quite special."

This summer, however, Goretzka had no choice. His contract expired, and Bayern did not offer an extension. Eberl hailed him as a "great figure at FC Bayern." Freund added: "He is a model professional, a truly exceptional character. A role model for footballers and for people in general – proving that you must keep going and believe in yourself when the going gets tough."

What Comes Next

Goretzka is reportedly on the verge of signing for AC Milan. "I really haven't made up my mind yet," he said. During a Sky interview, Lothar Matthäus endorsed a switch to Italy but jokingly urged him to join Inter, on the blue side of Milan. Goretzka, flashing a grin, shot back: "Then I'll get into trouble with the Südkurve." Only Bochum blue is welcome there.

Next Saturday, Goretzka could raise his 16th trophy with Bayern in the DFB Cup final against VfB Stuttgart before departing Munich on a free transfer, almost certainly to Italy.