“Definitely a problem”: Effenberg criticizes former Bayern star Goretzka | OneFootball

Leon Goretzka is no longer a player for FC Bayern; he is currently a free agent and looking for a new challenge. The midfielder played in the 2026 World Cup with the German national team but played only a minor role. Nevertheless, he has faced criticism. 

This is because Goretzka stood out primarily due to an incident during the final match. After Germany’s elimination by Paraguay in a penalty shootout, he was asked by Joshua Kimmich, the captain, if he wanted to take a penalty kick—notably, after the first five shooters had already taken their shots.

Goretzka, however, was anything but convinced that he should take the shot and did not volunteer; his body language suggested that, ideally, he wouldn’t have to take it at all. And he didn’t have to, because Jonathan Tah stepped up and missed. Germany was eliminated.

Effenberg’s Criticism of Goretzka

Stefan Effenberg, himself a former national team player, has now criticized Goretzka on the “Doppelpass” show on Sport1. “I do expect that when the captain is looking for a taker in a penalty shootout and there aren’t many left, you step up and take responsibility at that age,” Effenberg stated clearly.

Photo: IMAGO

“I definitely have a problem with that,” Effenberg said bluntly, referring to Goretzka’s behavior. According to media reports, Goretzka is said to have isolated himself from the team internally during the tournament once it became clear that he wasn’t part of the extended group of regular starters after all. However, this has not been confirmed.

Effenberg is surprised by the midfielder’s behavior. “He was a backup at Bayern, never complained, fought his way back—even into the national team—and has great character,” said the former player for the record-holding champions. His most recent performances with the national team, however, have not been ideal. Whether this will affect Goretzka’s search for a new club is doubtful, though.