Everything You Wanted to Know About Florian Wirtz

Biography

Florian Richard Wirtz is a German attacking midfielder who plays for Liverpool and the Germany national team. He is considered one of the best attacking midfielders of his generation thanks to his technique, intelligence, and overall impact on the game.

Early Years and Move to Bayer Leverkusen

Wirtz began playing football in the youth system of Köln, where he was regarded as one of the academy’s most promising talents. In January 2020, he moved to Bayer Leverkusen, which caused controversy: Köln considered the transfer a violation of informal agreements between the clubs.

On May 18, 2020, Wirtz made his Bundesliga debut at the age of 17 years and 15 days, becoming the youngest player in Bayer’s history to appear in the league. Just weeks later, on June 6, he scored his first goal — against Bayern — setting a Bundesliga record at the time as the youngest goalscorer in league history (17 years and 34 days).

Breakthrough and Serious Injury

During the 2020–21 season, he firmly established himself in the starting lineup and became one of the team’s leaders. He consistently delivered goals and assists, demonstrating remarkable maturity for his age. In 2021, he extended his contract until 2026.

In March 2022, Wirtz suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament, sidelining him for almost a year. He returned in January 2023 and gradually regained his form.

The Historic 2023–24 Season

The 2023–24 season became a defining moment in his career. Under the management of Xabi Alonso, Bayer enjoyed a historic campaign, completing an unbeaten domestic double (Bundesliga + German Cup).

On April 14, 2024, Wirtz scored the first hat-trick of his career in a match against Werder, which secured the club’s first league title in its history.

At the end of the season, he was named Bundesliga Player of the Year, finishing with 18 goals and numerous assists across all competitions.

The 2024–25 Season and Move to Liverpool

In the 2024–25 season, Wirtz made his UEFA Champions League debut and immediately made an impact, scoring a brace in his very first match of the competition. He was named Man of the Match five times during the campaign — more than any other player in that edition.

In the summer of 2025, he transferred to Liverpool for approximately £100–107 million plus bonuses, becoming the most expensive signing in the club’s history and one of the biggest transfers in English football history.

In his debut season in England, he quickly began contributing with goals and assists — providing assists in the Champions League and scoring his first Premier League goal in December 2025.

Personal Life

Florian Wirtz grew up in a football-oriented family. His father, Hans-Joachim Wirtz, is his agent and previously led the youth club Grün-Weiß Brauweiler, where Florian took his first steps in football.

He comes from a large family — nine siblings in total (four brothers and five sisters). His older sister, Juliane Wirtz, is also a professional footballer.

Wirtz prefers to maintain a private lifestyle, rarely sharing details of his personal life with the media and remaining focused on his career. His family plays a key role in managing his professional development.

Interesting Facts

• At 17, he became the youngest goalscorer in Bundesliga history (at the time of the record).
• He missed the 2022 World Cup due to a torn cruciate ligament.
• In 2024, he scored the fastest goal in Germany national team history at the European Championship (in the Euro 2024 opening match against Scotland).
• In March 2024, he scored one of the fastest goals in international football history — just 7 seconds after kickoff against France.
• He was a key figure in Bayer’s historic unbeaten championship season in 2023–24.
• His transfer to Liverpool became the most expensive in the club’s history and one of the largest in Premier League history.
• He is known for his high work rate off the ball and versatility — capable of playing as a No.10, inside forward, false nine, or on the wing.
• Despite his star status, his contracts and career decisions are managed by his family rather than a major agency.