Goalkeeper Maria Luisa Grohs has made it public that she has cancer and will be absent from FC Bayern and the national soccer team indefinitely. The 23-year-old was diagnosed with a “malignant tumor,” it was said. “The whole thing is certainly a challenge that I didn’t expect that I would have to solve now,” said Grohs in an emotional video: “But with the help of everyone here, I will definitely master it.”
Grohs has been playing for Bayern since 2019 and has been German champion three times since then. She was recently appointed to the A team by national coach Christian Wück, but canceled due to a tonsil operation. She is still waiting for her first international match.
“I am sure that with the help I am now getting from everyone, I will make it and get completely healthy again,” the player was quoted as saying. Bayern President Herbert Hainer said: “In moments like this, sport takes a back seat. Our club, together with the entire FC Bayern family, stands behind Mala Grohs.” At the same time, the German champions announced that they would extend the keeper’s contract, which expires at the end of the season, by one year until June 2026.
“With our contract extension we want to do a small part so that she can concentrate on her recovery – and show her that she should know that FC Bayern is always her home,” said sports director Max Eberl in the direction of the Münster native Since January 2021, he has made a total of 81 professional appearances for Bayern.
Munich’s women’s football director Bianca Rech said: “She will be very close to us and always be part of our team. Everything is geared towards her getting healthy first – and then getting back on the pitch.”
