Whether it’s as the midfield dynamo for FC Bayern, as a strong voice against racism or for his outstanding commitment to combating the coronavirus pandemic via the campaign #WeKickCorona – Leon Goretzka leads the way on many fronts. For his exemplary attitude both on and off the pitch, the 25-year-old Germany international has been named Sportsperson of the Year as part of the GQ Men of the Year Awards.
Goretzka: “Responsibility does not end when we put masks on”
“I see giving something back in these difficult times as both a great privilege and responsibility. All of us have shown responsibility over the months by wearing a mask to not only protect ourselves but also others from coronavirus,” said Goretzka who also emphasises the importance of other social issues in addition to fighting coronavirus: “But our responsibility does not end when we put masks on. We have to take responsibility for other issues like racism, sexism, integration and inclusion. As citizens in Germany and as Germans in the world. We can’t just take the future into our hands on the pitch but also on the streets and online.”
Together with his teammate Joshua Kimmich, Goretzka founded the campaign #WeKickCorona to combat the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
Fully virtual awards ceremony
The man’s magazine GQ presents annual awards to top national and international personalities in a number of categories. This year’s awards were completely virtual with personal video statements from the winners on the GQ Instagram account. Germany teammate Marc-André ter Stegen presented the laudatory speech for Goretzka’s award.
Goretzka, together with Joshua Kimmich, was previously received the Bavarian Sports Award for the campaign #WeKickCorona:
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