Wirtz has been recognized as the standout footballer of the year.
In the world of German football, two standout figures have been crowned as the best of the best in their respective fields – Florian Wirtz as the Footballer of the Year and Julian Schuster as the Coach of the Year.
Florian Wirtz, the prolific striker for Bayer Leverkusen, claimed the prestigious Footballer of the Year award with a staggering 191 votes[1][2][3][4][5]. After his successful season with Leverkusen, Wirtz made headlines again when he transferred to Liverpool in the summer of 2025. His impressive performances for the Premier League club have solidified his status as a key player in the German national team.
Julian Schuster, on the other hand, was recognised for his exceptional coaching abilities. In his first season as head coach of SC Freiburg, Schuster led the team to the Europa League, earning him the title of Coach of the Year[1].
Giulia Gwinn and Ann-Katrin Berger made history in the Footballer of the Year election, as DFB captain Gwinn and national goalkeeper Berger tied for the top spot. This was a novelty in the election, marking a significant moment for women's football in Germany[6]. Gwinn, who has over 730,000 followers on Instagram, more than any other German national player, won the award for the first time[7]. Berger, meanwhile, claimed the honour for the second time, having also excelled in the US NWSL with Gotham FC[8].
Wirtz acknowledged that the Footballer of the Year award comes with high expectations, stating that it is an award for the collective efforts of the team[9]. Berger was praised by Giulia Gwinn for her strength in supporting the team despite her injury in the European Championship[10]. Julian Schuster also expressed high regard for Wirtz's skills and contributions to the team[11].
Despite his move to Liverpool, Wirtz's impact on Bayern Munich was evident, as the club had been trying to sign him for months[12]. However, Wirtz opted to join the Premier League instead. Ann-Katrin Berger's performances at the 2024 Olympics also contributed to the bronze medal for the German women's team[13]. Schuster filled the gap left by Streich at Freiburg in a short time[14].
The 2025 German Footballer of the Year and Coach of the Year elections saw two deserving winners in Florian Wirtz and Julian Schuster. Their achievements on the field and their dedication to the team have made them shining examples of German football excellence.
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In light of his transfer to Liverpool and notable performances for both club and country, Florian Wirtz's skills in football have grabbed the attention of sports-analysis outlets globally. Julian Schuster, as a forward-thinking coach, has been highly regarded for his sports management strategies, particularly his successful first season with SC Freiburg that led them to the Europa League.
