Goretzka weighs in as World Cup build-up begins
Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka has suggested Donald Trump’s latest rhetoric is having an unexpected effect in Europe, saying the US president is pushing people to identify not only as German, but as European.
Speaking in an interview with Die Zeit, the Germany international addressed the political backdrop surrounding the next men’s World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. With the tournament expected to dominate the sporting calendar, Goretzka acknowledged it will unfold amid heightened diplomatic noise — much of it emanating from Washington.
Trump has recently drawn international scrutiny after threatening to take Greenland by force and describing Europe as “weak” and “decaying”. Asked about the climate heading into a World Cup staged in North America, Goretzka didn’t shy away from the topic.
“Of course, I’m aware of the political debates,” he said. “I still expect it to be a great tournament… Donald Trump makes us feel not only German but also European.”
‘Still expect it to be a great tournament’
Despite his comments, Goretzka stressed he believes the World Cup can have a positive sporting impact in the US, where football continues to grow in popularity. The 30-year-old pointed to the competition’s potential to help broaden the sport’s reach and showcase its appeal to new audiences.
In his view, the tournament will “promote football there” and demonstrate to spectators that huge numbers of people “want an incredibly exciting game”. The midfielder’s remarks reflect a broader expectation within European football that the expanded 48-team World Cup will be both a commercial juggernaut and a major cultural moment for the sport in North America.
Squad ambitions and summer uncertainty
On the pitch, Goretzka’s focus remains on forcing his way into Germany’s plans for the World Cup. The former Schalke player has been in and out of international contention in recent periods, but he has made no secret of his desire to be part of the squad when the tournament arrives.
There is also intrigue around his club future. The midfielder has been linked with a possible summer move away from Bayern Munich, with England among the mooted destinations. While no deal is referenced in his latest comments, the combination of a potential transfer window decision and an upcoming international campaign ensures his name will stay in the headlines.
For now, Goretzka’s message is clear: football may be his priority, but the politics surrounding the next World Cup are impossible to ignore — and, in his words, are shaping how Europeans see themselves.
