The No. 7 who directs and leads: What makes Giulia Gwinn so valuable for FC Bayern Women

Anyone who comes to a Bundesliga Saturday at the FC Bayern Campus will quickly recognise that there’s a certain jersey is everywhere. Whether it’s in the hands of children, on the shoulders of adults, across all age groups. Red, with a white number 7 and the name Gwinn. For a long time, this shirt number has represented much more than an outstanding footballer. Giulia Gwinn has embodied the success of FC Bayern Women for years, the ever-growing status of German women’s football as well an extraordinary career, which despite two cruciate ligament tears has always moved forward. The 27-year-old is not just an excellent player, but also a true leading figure in her team and a great fans’ favourite. Now the full-back has been named Germany’s Women’s Footballer of the Year for the second time by sports magazine kicker.

Memories that last: An unforgettable season

There are seasons that have a special significance. They not only bring trophies but also show that a team has reached the next level. For FCB Women and Gwinn, the previous campaign was one of those seasons: the most successful in her time in Munich, and indeed in the club’s history. Gwinn won the Bundesliga title with Bayern for the fifth time, while the Munich girls also defended the DFB Cup and claimed the German Supercup. The domestic treble underlined Bayern’s dominance.

The biggest milestone came on the European stage as FCB reached the semi-finals of the Women’s Champions League for the first time since 2021, beating holders Arsenal, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain along the way. Only FC Barcelona, the gold standard in Europe for a number of years, could narrowly stop the Münchnerinnen in the final four. Despite elimination, Bayern bowed out of Europe’s premier club competition with their heads held heigh. The defeat revealed more about their development than some wins. And at the heart of all of it, of course: Gwinn, the player who has helped give this team stability, pace and direction for the past seven years.

One who leads by example

Gwinn’s personal trophy collection has grown since her move from Freiburg to Munich in 2019, reflecting her phenomenal development. She’s been a German champion five times – 2021 and from 2023 to 2026 – as well as winning the DFB Cup in 2025 and 2026, and the German Supercup in 2024, 2025 and 2026. She’s also enjoyed big successes with the national team: she won a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024 and reached the final of the European Championship in 2022.

All these honours haven’t happened by accident. They’ve come about step by step and are evidence of a remarkable personal development. However, cups and medals only tell half the story. They document what’s been won, but not what’s been required to get there.

Determination and attitude

Gwinn combines talent with attitude. She has the determination and confidence of a leading player, yet her focus is always on the team and the joint aims. Her mental strength is certainly one of her many attributes. “Those who shy away can't make a difference” is her credo. This expression not only describes her playing style, but also her overall attitude. Gwinn does not wait for others to take responsibility. She’s there in the moments when decisions are made and a match sometimes hangs on one shot. Her leadership quality has grown out of difficult experiences: two cruciate ligament ruptures, months of rehab and watching from the sidelines have shaped the career and the personality of Giulia Gwinn.

A young talent has become a character who knows how much patience, faith and support are required to bounce back from setbacks. Gwinn knows doubt, setbacks and long days on which progress is barely apparent. That’s why she also knows how important a functioning team is.

A face of FC Bayern

For FC Bayern, she’s long been more than a key player. She’s a constant in a team that’s continually developed in recent years, and at the same time a face of the club. The 27-year-old from Bodensee carries this responsibility in a down-to-earth and authentic way. Her closeness to her team-mates is also noticeable – Gwinn motivates, consoles and is approachable when support is needed. Her leadership isn’t about always being the loudest in the room. The Germany captain knows when words are required – and when it’s enough just to be there.

A role model – on and off the pitch

Giulia Gwinn combines qualities that are rarely found together in top-level sport: she’s determined, successful and approachable. Fans encounter her as an equal, particularly young supporters. Her family – particularly her parents Gabi and Glorian, who are at almost all of their daughter’s games – her friends and her trusted associates also giver her stability. This rootedness helps the 27-year-old maintain a focus on what matters most, despite her professionalism. She plays in front of sold-out crowds and takes on great responsibility in crucial moments without losing her natural demeanour. For FC Bayern, she is therefore a guiding light, a role model and an ambassador all at once. She wears the number 7 on her back and embodies dedication, personality and humbleness. And that’s where her particular strength lies.

The start of the new cup season takes FC Bayern Women to Mönchengladbach: