Florian Wirtz is now one of the most wanted young footballers in the world. The 21-year-old midfielder helped Bayer Leverkusen win their first Bundesliga title in the 2023–24 season. Now, clubs like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich are all interested in signing him. Wirtz’s path to the top was not easy. He had to overcome a serious injury in 2022. But his strong mind and love for football helped him return better than ever.
In early 2022, Wirtz was becoming a rising star in German football. He was only 18 but already a regular in Leverkusen’s starting lineup. Many believed he would be part of Germany’s World Cup team. But in March 2022, he tore his anterior cruciate ligament. This kind of injury is serious and can take months to heal. It also meant missing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. At the time, Leverkusen was also struggling. The team had a poor start to the season, which led to a coaching change. Xabi Alonso took over as manager in late 2022 while Wirtz was still recovering.
Alonso believed in Wirtz and called him an important player. When Wirtz returned to the pitch in early 2023, he quickly showed why. He helped the team improve with his clever passing, calm style, and fast thinking. By the end of the season, Leverkusen had found its rhythm. In 2023–24, everything came together. Leverkusen went on a historic run and won their first Bundesliga title. Wirtz was a key part of that success. He controlled games, created chances, and scored important goals. He was no longer just a young talent. He was now a star player.
Wirtz became the youngest footballer to reach 50 Bundesliga games at just 18 years and seven months. That record shows how early he started making a difference. Now, at 21, he is leading one of the best teams in Germany. Top European clubs started to notice. In 2023 and 2024, many reports linked him with moves to the English Premier League and beyond. But Wirtz stayed at Leverkusen. He chose to stay with his coach and help write one more chapter in the team’s story. That chapter is now complete. Leverkusen won the league, and Alonso is expected to move to a bigger club. Wirtz will likely follow.
What makes Wirtz special is not just his talent, but also his mindset. He plays with confidence but stays calm. He doesn’t shout or show off. He leads with action, not words. He keeps life simple and focuses on football. Many fans remember a video of him ranking his favorite foods. He said he liked plain potatoes the most. That small comment became a joke online, but Wirtz didn’t enjoy the attention. He prefers to keep his life private and let his football speak for itself.
Wirtz has a strong support system. His parents manage his career. His mother handles finances. His father speaks with clubs and sporting directors. They do not focus on big money. They care more about Wirtz playing in the right team and growing as a player. Early in his career, his parents gave him only a small allowance. That helped him learn the value of money and stay grounded. His sister also plays football in the women’s Bundesliga. The whole family supports each other.
Some people say Wirtz missed out on big sponsorship deals by not working with big agents. But he does not mind. He chose to put football first. He stayed loyal to those who were with him from the start. That loyalty has paid off. He is now one of the most respected young players in Europe.
As the summer transfer window opens, it seems clear that Wirtz will move to a bigger club. Reports say Liverpool and Manchester City have already spoken to his family. Bayern Munich also wants him to team up with Jamal Musiala. Wherever he goes, Wirtz will bring skill, vision, and hard work. He is more than a star. He is a professional with a clear path and strong values.
