Striker Florian Wirtz has been voted men’s Footballer of the Year for 2024-25 following another standout season at Bayer Leverkusen.
Meanwhile, international teammates Giulia Gwinn and will share the women’s award and both received 145 votes from the members of the Association of German Sports Journalists (VDS).
The yearly poll, which is organized by German sports magazine Kicker, also saw Freiburg coach Julian Schuster voted Coach of the Year after he led his club to the Europa League in his first year in charge.
Wirtz streets ahead of closest challengers for award
Wirtz, who moved to Liverpool during the summer for a fee that could climb to £116 million (€134 million; $156 million), received 191 votes after scoring 16 goals and contributing 15 assists across all competitions for Leverkusen last season.
“In football, the personal recognition of individual players is always and above all an award for the collective,” Wirtz said.
“I am aware that I still have a lot of work ahead of me to meet all the expectations that are associated with an award such as Footballer of the Year.”
The 22-year-old won 191 votes as he came in ahead of Michael Olise of Bayern Munich (81), Nick Woltemade of Stuttgart (71) and Thomas Müller (70), who after an illustrious career at Bayern.
“I can’t think of a more worthy successor than you,” former winner Toni Kroos said of Wirtz.
Berger’s impressive Euros helps seal shared trophy
Meanwhile, Gwinn and Berger could not be separated despite the pair having opposing luck during the Women’s European Championship in Switzerland in the summer.
Germany captain Gwinn suffered a tournament-ending injury during the team’s opening match of the competition against Poland.
Despite the setback, Germany reached the semifinals of the Euros, as goalkeeper Berger starred — making numerous outstanding saves throughout which saw her named in the Team of the Tournament.
The shot-stopper also led her National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side to the semifinals, as Gotham finished third overall.
Votes were cast by 633 members of the VDS for all awards.
Edited by: Wesley Dockery
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