German · Memmingen, Germany · Born 3 June 1992German footballer who scored the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup final, known for his technical ability and versatility in attacking midfield positions.
In the 113th minute of the 2014 World Cup final, Mario Götze controlled a cross on his chest and volleyed Germany's winner against Argentina — the goal his manager Joachim Löw had sent him on to score with the instruction to 'show the world you are better than Messi', and one considered by many analysts to be the greatest goal ever scored in a World Cup final. Borussia Dortmund developed him into the most technically gifted German footballer of his generation. Bayern Munich paid £31 million for him in 2013. He won the Champions League Treble in his first Bayern season. In extra time of the 2014 World Cup Final — with Germany and Argentina level at 0-0 — Germany manager Joachim Löw sent him on and whispered go on and show the world that you are better than Messi. He scored the only goal with a chest control and volleyed finish in the 113th minute that won Germany the World Cup. The goal is considered the greatest scored in a World Cup Final. The subsequent pressure of that expectation combined with a metabolic disorder that caused him to gain weight and lose pace disrupted his career significantly. He returned to Dortmund, moved to the Netherlands where he helped PSV win the Eredivisie, and rebuilt his career at Frankfurt. His story — defined by one moment of perfection followed by years of struggling to match it — is football's most poignant individual narrative of the decade.
Scoring the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup final
How They Played
Technical attacking midfielder with excellent close control, creativity and ability to play between the lines
Lasting Impact
World Cup hero who defined Germany's golden generation with his extra-time winner against Argentina
Career Honours
- World Cup (2014)
- Bundesliga 4x
- Champions League (2013)
- Eredivisie (2023)
- World Cup 2014
- Bundesliga 2011
- Bundesliga 2012
- Bundesliga 2014
- Bundesliga 2016
- Champions League 2013
- DFB-Pokal 2012
- DFB-Pokal 2014
- DFB-Pokal 2016
- Eredivisie 2023
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Borussia Dortmund | 2009–2013 | — | 83 | 22 |
| Bayern Munich | 2013–2016 | £31m | 73 | 22 |
| Borussia Dortmund | 2016–2020 | — | 75 | 13 |
| PSV Eindhoven | 2020–2022 | — | 47 | 9 |
| Eintracht Frankfurt | 2022–Present | — | 107 | 9 |
 Germany | — | — | 63 | 19 |
German Athletes