It’s finally clear: Leon Goretzka will leave FC Bayern at the end of the current season. The German record champions officially confirmed the 30-year-old’s departure on Friday. After eight years, numerous titles and an eventful time, their paths are parting – and the reactions could hardly be more different
Leon Goretzka moved from FC Schalke 04 to FC Bayern on a free transfer in the summer of 2018. The transfer was already considered a strategic coup at the time. After initial adjustment difficulties, the Bochum-born player quickly developed into a central component of Munich’s midfield. Goretzka reached his sporting peak in a Bayern shirt in the 2019/20 treble season at the latest
Under Hansi Flick, he and Joshua Kimmich formed the double-six that shaped FC Bayern’s game. Goretzka’s physicality, dynamism and goal threat made him a key player. In that historic season, the record champions won six titles, including the Champions League – the sporting zenith of Goretzka’s time in Munich
However, the golden years were followed by more difficult phases. Coach changes, system changes and growing competition in midfield meant that Goretzka increasingly became the focus of criticism. He was repeatedly questioned by some fans and was repeatedly considered a candidate for sale. Nevertheless, the DFB international fought his way back into the team again and again under various coaches
No new contract – Bayern draw the line
In the end, however, it was no longer enough to extend his contract. The Bayern management decided not to renew the contract, which was due to expire in the summer. This officially ends Goretzka’s time at FC Bayern after eight years. In terms of both sport and strategy, the Munich club want to take a different approach in midfield in the future
The announcement of this departure triggered strong reactions from the FC Bayern fan base – in both directions. On the one hand, there is open relief. „Will dance when the time finally comes,“ wrote one X-user. Another commented succinctly: „It’s about time.“ Yet another fan expressed his joy with barely any restraint: „It’s almost over… I can’t believe it.“
Woke
up and 1st thing I saw is the Goretzka news pic.twitter.com/hwcfuTdItq
– Kofi (@dontatmefr) January 30, 2026
Another user wrote: „I woke up and the first thing I saw was the Goretzka news“ and accompanied this with a cheering GIF. These voices show how much Goretzka has polarized in recent years
Much respect and thanks under Goretzka’s farewell words
At the same time, however, there is also another, very emotional side. Numerous positive and grateful reactions have poured in, especially under Leon Goretzka’s Instagram statement. One fan wrote: „Thank you for EVERYTHING Leon. Thank you for many unforgettable moments and for always giving your all for us and always being a model professional. In the coming months, we will give everything once again to give you a worthy farewell.“
Goretzka also received a lot of encouragement from his colleagues. Former Bayern players Mathys Tel and Bryan Zaragoza as well as former teammate Konrad Laimer each responded to his farewell post with a heart emoji – a silent but clear sign of appreciation within the dressing room. Other companions also took the opportunity to thank Goretzka for his commitment and attitude
These reactions reflect what Goretzka’s time at FC Bayern was all about: sporting highs, difficult phases, but always a professional demeanour. He was never the loudest, but always someone who took responsibility and faced up to the competition
Goretzka does not leave behind a clear image at FC Bayern – but a complex one. For some, his departure was overdue, for others it marks the end of a formative era. Only one thing is certain: eight years at FC Bayern do not pass without a trace. And even if they now part ways, Goretzka will be remembered as part of one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.