Reading Time: 13 minutes

Stars shine brightest before they die.

In football, that shining moment can make or mar a player. Score an own goal and you are in deep trouble. Score the winning goal in a cup final, and you become a cult hero.

For Mario Gotze, his most significant moment turned out to be the slow race to an unprecedented decline. 

However, before that euphoric moment, many did not know much about the creative playmaker and his heroic exploits on Germany’s road to becoming world champions. 

This is the story of Germany’s shining star that burned out fast. 

Growing Up in Bavaria

Mario Götze’s early life paints a picture of a lovely and pleasant childhood. Born on June 3, 1992, in Memmingen, Bavaria, Götze’s family generously provided support and care as he grew up.

His father, Jurgen, was a university professor, and his mother, Astrid, offered the balance needed to provide the best atmosphere for upbringing.

As a young boy in Memmingen, engaging in physical activities became a fun leisure activity. Soon, he began showing interest in football.

Mario Götze’s small stature did not deter him from playing with other kids and playing at a commendable level.

His family remained very supportive of his participation in sports, and his elder brother, Fabian Götze, who pursued football and later played professionally, gave him the courage to pursue a career in football.

Playing and learning alongside his brother, he got a template of how to develop himself to ensure a promising career. Mario was not a physically imposing player, so he had to sharpen his dribbling, agility, and quick thinking on the pitch.

These early experiences laid the foundation for a promising career, with several youth teams keen on bringing him in.

Academy Football at Borussia Dortmund 

Mario Götze’s rise through Borussia Dortmund’s academy remains one of the most exciting youth-to-first-team transitions in German football.

Dortmund’s academy had a reputation for developing some of the best talents in German football, and Götze was looking forward to growing under their exceptional tutelage.

The coaches immediately spotted his talents and it quickly dawned on them that he could become one of the best players in Germany if his development emerges as projected.

Once he settled into Dortmund’s youth system, his qualities and sharpness stood out. Supporters began talking about his prowess and looking forward to his transition to the first team.

His creativity and vision in midfield led fans to draw parallels with other German playmakers like Mesut Ozil — a justifiable comparison.

The turning point came when Jürgen Klopp took charge of Dortmund in 2008.

Klopp’s philosophy of high pressing and fearless attacking football blended perfectly with Götze’s style of play. Also, Klopp’s belief in nurturing young players played a massive role in Götze’s development.

By 2009, Götze earned his first-team debut for Dortmund in a Bundesliga match against Mainz 05. He was just 17 years old at the time.

From the moment he stepped onto the pitch, he played like he belonged. He dropped deep, received passes under pressure, linked up plays, and surprisingly was not afraid of duelling with his opponents.

Even though he only had a brief cameo, fans could already sense that he possessed unusual composure and technical confidence for a teenager.

As his minutes increased, so did his overall gameplay. He showcased the belief that a teenager, with the proper guidance and disposition, could burst into the limelight and perform at the highest level.

He still featured for the youth teams, but Klopp’s faith in his youth players ensured that Götze got enough first-team appearances.

Borussia Dortmund Glory Years

Mario Götze’s years at Borussia Dortmund during their golden spell under Jurgen Klopp remain unforgettable for any fan who lived through them.

When Dortmund lifted back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012, Götze’s contributions were evident. He won the Golden Boy award in 2011 after his breakout performances during the 2010/11 season.

One of the most fascinating aspects of those years was Gotze’s partnership with Marco Reus and Robert Lewandowski.

The chemistry and partnership they built made Dortmund one of Europe’s most dreaded attacks. Gotze was the glue between the midfield and the attack. 

Tactically, he was deployed behind the lethal Lewandowski and linked up with Reus and Blaszczkowski, who were the wide attacking options. If you played FIFA 13, you know how overpowered this attack was.

The 2012/13 Champions League campaign was a near-perfect reward for the brilliance shown by Gotze and his teammates during this era.

Dortmund stunned Europe, and Gotze was tasked with a massive responsibility in midfield against Europe’s giants.

Fans could see how his creativity and drive carried Dortmund all the way to Wembley, where they narrowly fell short against Bayern Munich in the final. Even though injury kept him from playing that night, his influence throughout the campaign remained undeniable.

The praises soon followed, and many began talking of his exploits during that campaign. Some even dubbed him “the German Messi”, and why that might seem ludicrous now, this was a worthy tag for a young player who had stormed Europe and dictated play at the biggest stages, just as Messi did.

Most importantly, Mario Gotze personified Klopp’s gegenpressing philosophy.

Controversial Move to Bayern Munich

Mario Götze’s move to Bayern Munich in 2013 sent shockwaves through German football and broke the hearts of countless Borussia Dortmund fans.

The announcement of Mario Götze’s move to Bayern generated a series of mixed reactions.

The Black and Yellow faithful of the Signal Iduna Park were heartbroken by this unpleasant news. The timing, just before Dortmund’s Champions League final against Bayern, did not ease the heartbreak.

It felt like another instance of Bayern’s tyrannical poaching of young talent from German clubs. This has been Bayern’s modus operandi.

They swooped in and took the players they wanted, by any means necessary, weakening the competition and bolstering their squad.

Once Götze arrived in Munich, he experienced a different environment. Pep Guardiola‘s philosophy demanded an entirely different style of play. Pep’s tactical setup was tiki-taka, emphasizing the use of short and precise passes along with clever positional play.

I noticed the adjustment wasn’t smooth. Götze often found himself stuck between using his natural abilities and sticking to Pep’s tactical rigidity.

These initial struggles affected his impact at Bayern Munich. Questions surrounding the necessity of his move began to surface.

Despite those struggles, Götze still achieved success in Munich. He won multiple Bundesliga titles and domestic cups.

Mario Gotze wishes he’d never left Borussia Dortmund 🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/nwEnG1efJ7

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 21, 2016

For many fans, he did not live up to the expectations of being “Germany’s Golden Boy”

The most challenging part of his time at Bayern was his competition with Frank Ribery and Arjen Robben. The pair had established themselves as elite players and were undoubtedly Bayern legends.

Götze found himself in a very precarious situation, as he had to displace one of the pair to cement a starting role.

If only he could move mountains.

Mario Gotze looked more like a puzzle piece that didn’t quite fit, and in the end, his stint in Munich exemplified the contrast between promise and pressure.

Luckily, he got enough minutes to make it to the 2014 World Cup squad for Germany.

A Star is Born at The 2014 FIFA World Cup 

Mario Götze entered the World Cup as one of Germany’s young stars. Although his season with Bayern was underwhelming, Joachim Low trusted him to have an impact in the tournament. 

As the tournament progressed, Low opted to deploy him as a reliable option off the bench rather than a guaranteed starter.

He watched on the sidelines as Germany demolished hosts Brazil in one of the greatest humiliations in sports history.

Then came the final against Argentina at the Maracanã. 

The stakes couldn’t have been higher: it was the second half of extra time, 112 minutes on the clock, and after an intense encounter that had seen both sides miss clear chances, the match looked poised to be decided by a penalty shootout.

Out of the blue — the moment that etched Mario Gotze’s name into football immortality.

In the 113th minute, Andre Schurrle raced forward down the left and delivered a perfect cross. Mario Gotze controlled the ball on his chest with assured control and volleyed his shot past Sergio Romero.

The stadium erupted.

The Argentine fans clutched their heads in disbelief and disappointment while the Germans went ballistic. The match had not ended, but in that moment, it felt like it was all over.

As I witnessed that moment, I felt chills run through my body, the kind of goosebumps only sports can create.

Then came the final whistle, and the players rushed to embrace Mario Gotze — a new star was born. Germany’s future was in safe hands.

Being the hero of that final must have been surreal for Götze. He carried a nation’s hopes and fulfilled every child’s dream of scoring the winner on the grandest stage.

In that instant, he silenced doubters, and his star shone the brightest.

Struggles with Form and Injuries

Mario Götze’s career after the glory of 2014 paints a grim picture of how quickly football can turn from a meteoric rise to a catastrophic fall.

It was disheartening to see his struggles unfold after such a mythical moment. Götze was on the cover of video games after his outing at the World Cup, and his performance seemed to be a launchpad for greater things.

Unfortunately, his health concerns derailed him from achieving the projected rise.

In the seasons after the World Cup, Mario Götze struggled to showcase the magic and brilliance that fans had grown accustomed to.

Subpar performances became his weekly norm at Bayern. For someone who was still relatively young, such a decline in health was very concerning.

The underlying reason for this decline soon became clearer. Reports eventually revealed that he suffered from a metabolic disorder that affected his ability to recover properly.

The news was a saddening discovery, but it answered all of our questions. It explained the visible fatigue on the pitch and the frequent injuries that kept sidelining him.

BREAKING: Borussia Dortmund announce that Mario Gotze will remain sidelined for some time after being diagnosed with a metabolic disorder. pic.twitter.com/VH5t6GCXDN

— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) February 27, 2017

The media did not cut him any slack either. Some sections viewed him as an early bloomer, while others heavily criticized his unprofessional conduct and poor dedication. Even fans grew impatient, voicing frustration whenever he failed to deliver or displayed an underwhelming performance.

Being sidelined for long and recurring stretches further increased the frustration for what could have been his peak years. Whenever he did seem to get back to his rhythm, another injury surfaced.

Eventually, it dawned on everyone that his time in Munich was reaching its end, and a move elsewhere was imminent.

The Prodigal Son Returns to Borussia Dortmund

When Mario Götze returned to Borussia Dortmund in 2016, the reactions were a mix of curiosity and cautious optimism.

As unpleasant as the last few years had been, I viewed his return to Dortmund as a fresh start. Considering he left in a very controversial manner, the fans welcomed him with open arms and looked forward to what might be a repeat of his previous years at the Signal Iduna Park.

Under Thomas Tuchel’s guidance, the aim was to provide Götze with an environment where he could rediscover his spark and confidence that made him one of Europe’s most exciting attacking players.

Initially, it seemed like a brilliant move, but it soon became clear that such brilliance was not going to last long.

Mario Gotze struggled to deliver consistent performances, partly due to lingering health problems.

As Tuchel’s style of play often demanded high work rates on both ends of the pitch, Mario Götze found himself out of shape and a step slower than before. The club announced that he would spend a lengthy period on the sidelines while receiving treatment for his health concerns.

As time went on, his role within the squad diminished. Young players emerged and competition for the starting role increased. He eventually became an essential rotational asset rather than a reliable first-team player.

Supporters noticed the decline, yet many still held onto hope whenever he stepped onto the pitch.

Despite the setbacks, Mario Gotze still produced moments that lit up the Signal Iduna Park. A couple of goals and incisive passing ensured his time at the club was not entirely tragic.

🗣️ Schweinsteiger on Gotze's Dortmund exit: "It is very, very unfortunate. We all know that Mario Gotze was a great talent when he was younger.

“It doesn't have to be the best club in Europe, but I hope that he will find a club where he will play." 🙏 pic.twitter.com/mhskhGHgWg

— GOAL (@goal) May 25, 2020

He scored his last goal for the club in a 2-1 win against Hertha Berlin, and his final appearance came in June 2020.

A Fresh Start Abroad

When Mario Gotze signed for PSV Eindhoven in 2020, many saw it as a brave and refreshing move.

After a torrid time in the Bundesliga, he made the move to the Netherlands. Although not as intense as the Bundesliga and the other leagues that comprise Europe’s Top 5 leagues, the Eredivisie offered top-level football and European competition.

From the onset, Götze made an impact in Eindhoven. He announced himself with a goal on his debut against PEC Zwolle, and you could tell that he was enjoying his football again.

He operated as an advanced midfielder, his favoured position, and PSV supporters quickly embraced him as both a leader and a difference-maker.

In domestic matches, Mario Götze put up performances that reminded us of his glory days in Dortmund. 

His impact also extended to European competitions. In the Europa League, he scored crucial goals in the group stages and delivered standout performances against strong opposition.

This revival signaled that Mario Götze still had what it took to excel at the top level and barring his health concerns, he was still an elite player.

Mario Götze spent two seasons in the Eredivisie and won two trophies with the club.

More than just statistics, his revival at Eindhoven encompasses the need for a change of environment for the German—or for any struggling young player.

He was now playing away from the harsh scrutiny of the German media, and with that burden off his back, he was able to perform at a commendable level.

Massive credit to Eindhoven for providing such a wonderful atmosphere for Mario Gotze, and this allowed him to adjust smoothly to the rhythm of Dutch football.

Homecoming at Eintracht Frankfurt

Mario Götze secured a move to Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer of 2022, after a successful spell in the Netherlands.

I was surprised to see him return to the Bundesliga, considering how things had panned out during his latter years in Germany.

However, his move to Frankfurt was a reasonable one. Frankfurt offered valuable game time, and although they were not as buoyant as the likes of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, they were an ambitious club.

Frankfurt had just won the Europa League for the first time in their history the previous season, and looked to bolster their squad in a bid to push for further success.

Mario Götze was a decent choice as he brought experience, quality, and a veteran presence to this group of young players.

From his first games in the Bundesliga, he justified the faith of Frankfurt’s hierarchy. He controlled tempo and served as the creative hub of Oliver Glasner’s system.

In the Champions League, Götze’s presence gave Frankfurt an edge in tightly contested matches. As the saying goes, “form is temporary and class is permanent”.

Watching him in those European nights, I felt proud to see him contributing meaningfully again on one of football’s biggest stages.

What stood out most during his Frankfurt stint was his role as a veteran. He did not need to be the leading man but rather a vital cog in a well-oiled machine.

Remember the time a few years ago when Mario Götze seemingly was never able to get fit?

Well, now he’s as fit as ever & is absolutely vital to Frankfurt’s system.

He even completed the most Intensive Runs in the league [451] and runs 12.01 km p90 [5th most].

You love to see it pic.twitter.com/knCeSccPh4

— Taísto (@TaistoFCB) September 3, 2022

Younger players benefited from his guidance, and you could sense that everyone was delighted to see him enjoy his football after what had transpired in the past years.

It was refreshing to see him settle into this new phase and find joy playing back home.

Did Mario Gotze Fulfill His Potential?

The question of whether Mario Götze achieved his full potential has long divided fans, and I find myself caught between admiration for what he accomplished and regret for what might have been.

From one perspective, he accomplished feats many footballers dream of—scoring the winning goal in a World Cup final and winning multiple league titles.

From another angle, the health concerns and inconsistency issues hindered him from becoming a full-fledged household name.

For young German footballers, Mario Gotze’s story provides a dual view on the potential outcome of their career.

His achievements show that dreams do come true, and with the right attitude, a top career as a professional footballer is feasible. 

It also shows that talent alone does not guarantee a sustained career. Health concerns and the unsympathetic nature of elite sports can derail the progress of an athlete.

The debate over fulfilled potential versus unfulfilled promise is fair. If judged by core successes, Mario Gotze succeeded. He won several titles and had a career that saw him feature for great clubs.

If assessed from the perspective of the expectations and hype that surrounded him, especially after his heroics at the 2014 World Cup, he never reached his full potential.

As a fan, I see him as both a fulfilled player in terms of honors, but one who left the lingering sense that he had more to give.

Currently aged 33 years, Götze is still at Frankfurt and with his contract set to expire in the summer of 2026, another question arises of what lies ahead.

Looking forward, I imagine him transitioning into coaching, punditry, or even management.

In football history, Götze will be remembered most for that single, golden moment in Rio, but also as a star who bedazzled as they turned into a supernova.