Article by Daniel Scorpie – Published on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, 20:02 / Updated on Wednesday, 28 January 2026 20:02
Leon Goretzka (30 years old) believes that the actions of the US president, especially regarding the attempted annexation of Greenland, only strengthen the European identity. Recognized as always having outstanding positions on extrasportive issues as well, the Bayern midfielder was put on guard by Donald Trump.
Donald Trump's controversial and bellicose statements are echoing more and more in Germany. After several politicians took a firm stand and recommended a boycott of the national soccer team at the World Cup, hosted from June 11 to July 19 in the US, Mexico and Canada, a player from the Bundesliga champions is now fighting back.
Leon Goretzka addressed the growing hostility in Germany ahead of the final North American tour in an interview with Die Zeit newspaper, saying Donald Trump's actions reinforce his European identity.
Danes massively bought caps with the message “Nu det Nuuk!” (Make America go away), in protest against Donald Trump's intention to annex Greenland to the USA / Photo: Imago
The 30-year-old German midfielder commented on the recent statements of the US president, who threatened to take Greenland by force and described Europe as “weak” and “decadent”.
Leon Goretzka: “In the most important game in the world, we Europeans are still ahead of all other continents”
According to Leon Goretzka, this rhetoric actually has a unifying effect. “Donald Trump makes us feel not only German, but more European,” the Bayern Munich star said.
Despite the tense political climate, the German midfielder hopes to be selected in Germany's 2026 World Cup squad and believes Julian Nagelsmann's national team will make a strong appearance in the summer.
Leon Goretzka (in red) transferred to Bayern Munich in 2018, free of contract from Schalke / Photo: Imago
“Of course, I am aware of the political debates. However, I hope it will be a great tournament that will promote football there and show a lot of people an incredibly exciting game,” said the 67-cap, 15-goal international.
Leon Goretzka is convinced that Europe will prove its strength and value on the field. “In the most important game in the world, we are still ahead of all the other continents. Far from being behind, Europe will show everyone what it can do on the pitch.”
