Bundesliga
Florian Wirtz has blossomed into one of world football's most-feared attackers at Bayer Leverkusen. bundesliga.com gives you the lowdown on the supremely gifted Germany talent...
Stats correct as of 8 May 2025
Age: 22 (born 3 May 2003)
Club: Bayer Leverkusen
Position: Attacking midfielder
Country: Germany (29 caps, six goals)
Key stats
Wirtz took 2023/24 Bundesliga Player of the Season honours for his starring role in Leverkusen's historic, unbeaten run to the title. The former Cologne youngster and 2017 U19 Bundesliga champion scored 11 and made 12 across 32 generally dazzling league appearances, adding to his seven goal contributions in Bayer's triumphant DFB Cup campaign and eight during their run to the UEFA Europa League final.
There was more of Wirtz's trademark star dust in 2024/25, notably a team-leading six goals in nine UEFA Champions League outings. The 5'8" playmaker again hit double figures for combined goals and assists domestically, having also lit up Germany's UEFA Euro 2024 and 2024/25 Nations League campaigns. The 2022/23 Europa League Young Player of the Season even made history as his country's greenest Euro scorer with his group-stage strike against Scotland.
Plays a bit like: Thomas Häßler
A creative force of nature, Wirtz shares a lot of similarities with 90s string-puller extraordinaire Thomas Häßler. Diminutive, quick, always on the move, technical, skilful and a taker and maker of chances, he really does - in much the same vein as the aforementioned 1990 FIFA World Cup and 1996 Euro winner - have it all.
Did you know?
Football is certainly a family affair where Wirtz is concerned. His parents are his agents, his father is the chairman of SV Grün-Weiß Brauweiller - the club Florian played for before joining Cologne - and his eldest sister, Juliane, plays professionally for Women's Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen, having previously represented Cologne and Leverkusen.
What they're saying
"You have to give special players like Flo the possibility to do special things on the pitch." – Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso
"Florian is just a huge asset for this team with his care-free nature. He's simply an outstanding technician, loves to play, is very creative, has a good shot, runs hard and is quick. He's the full package." – former Germany head coach Hansi Flick
"I knew a lot of clubs were interested and then we thought that before he went anywhere else, let's try to get him to join us and stay at home. I've known the player since he was 14." – Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes