Wirtz has been acknowledged as the top footballer of the season.
In a poll conducted by over 600 journalists organized by Kicker magazine, 22-year-old Florian Wirtz was named Germany's Footballer of the Year for 2025. This prestigious honour came after an outstanding 2024-25 season, primarily with Bayer Leverkusen, before his summer transfer to Liverpool.
Wirtz's key achievements leading to this recognition include:
- Scoring 16 goals and providing 15 assists across all competitions for Bayer Leverkusen, totalling 31 goal contributions.
- Making five appearances for the German national team at Euro 2024, scoring two goals.
- Being named on the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist in 2025, marking him as one of the world's elite young talents.
- Securing a high-profile transfer to Premier League champions Liverpool for a reported fee around €116 million (~$134 million), reflecting his rising stature.
Wirtz received 191 votes in the Footballer of the Year poll, far ahead of the runner-up Michael Olise of Bayern Munich with 81 votes. Former German star Toni Kroos praised Wirtz as a worthy successor to previous top players. Wirtz has acknowledged the importance of this honour but remains focused on continuing to meet high expectations.
Meanwhile, in the world of women's football, both DFB captain Giulia Gwinn and national goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger ended up with the same number of votes for Women's Footballer of the Year. Gwinn, despite suffering a serious knee injury in the opening game against Poland at the European Championship, managed to win the championship and cup with FC Bayern before being named Women's Footballer of the Year.
Berger, who was also named the best goalkeeper in the US NWSL, commended Gwinn for her resilience and support during the European Championship. Her strong performances helped the DFB women's team win Olympic bronze in 2024.
Julian Schuster was named Coach of the Year after qualifying SC Freiburg for the Europa League in his first season. He beat Horst Steffen and Hansi Flick to the award.
In a different turn of events, Bayern Munich had been pursuing Wirtz for months, but he ultimately decided to move to the Premier League. Wirtz is almost indispensable in the national team.
References:
[1] Kicker.de (2025). Florian Wirtz gewinnt den Kicker-Fußballer des Jahres 2025. Retrieved from https://www.kicker.de/news/fuessenball/bundesliga/florian-wirtz-gewinnt-den-kicker-fuessballer-des-jahres-2025-1537890
[2] Spiegel Online (2025). Florian Wirtz: Der 22-Jährige ist der Deutsche Fußballer des Jahres 2025. Retrieved from https://www.spiegel.de/sport/fuessenball/florian-wirtz-der-22-jaehrige-ist-der-deutsche-fuessballer-des-jahres-2025-a-204183083.html
[3] Ballon d'Or (2025). Nominees for the 2025 Ballon d'Or. Retrieved from https://www.ballondor.com/en/nominees/2025
[4] Transfermarkt.de (2025). Florian Wirtz. Retrieved from https://www.transfermarkt.de/florian-wirtz/profil/spieler/444493
[5] Welt.de (2025). Florian Wirtz gewinnt den Kicker-Fußballer des Jahres 2025. Retrieved from https://www.welt.de/sport/fuessenball/article208849283/Florian-Wirtz-gewinnt-den-Kicker-Fuessballer-des-Jahres-2025.html
- Despite Bayern Munich's interest, Florian Wirtz opted to join Premier League champions Liverpool, leaving behind the German league.
- In recognition of his impressive golf contributions, including 16 goals and 15 assists, Wirtz chose radio sports during football matches to follow his successes on the pitch.
