Mario Gómez

Mario Gómez's Football Career:

• Early Years:
  • Born on July 10, 1985.
  • Started his professional career with VfB Stuttgart.

• VfB Stuttgart (2001–2009):
  • Contributed 14 goals and 7 assists in the 2006–07 Bundesliga season, helping Stuttgart win the title.
  • Named German Footballer of the Year in 2007.

• Bayern Munich (2009–2013):
  • Transferred to Bayern Munich in 2009 for an estimated €30–35 million, a league record at the time.
  • Bundesliga top scorer in 2011.
  • Helped Bayern Munich win seven trophies, including the UEFA Champions League in 2013.

• Fiorentina (2013–2016):
  • Moved to Serie A team Fiorentina in 2013.
  • Faced challenges with injuries during his time in Italy.

• Loan to Beşiktaş (2015–2016):
  • Loaned to Beşiktaş in 2015.
  • Emerged as the top scorer, contributing to Beşiktaş winning the Süper Lig.

• VfL Wolfsburg (2016–2017):
  • Returned to Germany by joining VfL Wolfsburg for the 2016–17 season.
  • Played a key role in helping Wolfsburg avoid relegation.

• Return to VfB Stuttgart (2017–2020):
  • Rejoined Stuttgart for the 2017–18 season.
  • Contributed to Stuttgart's promotion to the Bundesliga after the 2019–20 campaign.

• International Career (2007–2018):
  • Made his international debut for Germany in February 2007.
  • Represented Germany in three UEFA European Championships and two FIFA World Cups.
  • Finished as the top scorer at UEFA Euro 2012.
  • Retired from international football in 2018.

Mario Gómez had a prolific career as a striker, achieving success both at the club and international levels. Known for his goal-scoring prowess, he played a crucial role in winning titles and contributing to his teams' success throughout his football journey.

Mario Gómez's Club Career:

• VfB Stuttgart II (2003–2005):
  • Played for VfB Stuttgart II in the Regionalliga Süd during the 2003–04 and 2004–05 seasons.
  • Scored six goals in 19 appearances (2003–04) and 15 goals in 24 appearances (2004–05).

• VfB Stuttgart (2003–2009):
  • Made Champions League debut in March 2004 against Chelsea.
  • Bundesliga debut on 8 May 2004.
  • Joined the first team permanently in the 2005–06 season.
  • Scored six goals in 30 Bundesliga appearances (2005–06).
  • Transferred to Bayern Munich after the 2008–09 season.

• Bayern Munich (2009–2013):
  • Joined Bayern Munich in May 2009 for a reported fee of €30–35 million.
  • Bundesliga top scorer in the 2010–11 season with 28 goals.
  • Scored 39 goals in all competitions in the 2010–11 season.
  • Continued to impress in the 2011–12 season, scoring 26 goals.
  • Finished the 2012–13 season with 11 goals in all competitions.
  • Reached the UEFA Champions League final in 2012 but lost to Chelsea on penalties.

• Fiorentina (2013–2016):
  • Signed for Serie A side Fiorentina in July 2013.
  • Scored his first goals for Fiorentina in a 5–2 win over Genoa.
  • Faced injuries during the 2013–14 season.
  • Scored four goals in 20 league appearances in the 2014–15 season.

• Loan to Beşiktaş (2015–2016):
  • Joined Beşiktaş on a season-long loan in July 2015.
  • Scored 28 goals in all competitions during the loan spell.
  • Became the top scorer of the Süper Lig with 26 goals.

• VfL Wolfsburg (2016–2018):
  • Returned to the Bundesliga, signing with VfL Wolfsburg in August 2016.
  • Scored 16 league goals in the 2016–17 season.
  • Named captain in August 2017.
  • Finished the 2016–17 season with 18 goals in all competitions.

• Return to VfB Stuttgart (2018–2020):
  • Returned to VfB Stuttgart in January 2018.
  • Finished the 2017–18 season with eight goals in 16 appearances.
  • Top scorer for Stuttgart with seven goals in 2018–19.
  • Contributed a goal in the relegation play-off.

• Retirement:
  • Announced his retirement on 28 June 2020, after scoring in his final match and helping Stuttgart secure promotion back to the Bundesliga.

Mario Gómez had a prolific and successful career, making significant contributions to each club he played for. His goal-scoring ability and leadership qualities were evident throughout his journey in German and international football.

Mario Gómez's International Career:

• Debut and Euro 2008:
  • Made his debut for the Germany senior team against Switzerland on 7 February 2007, scoring in a 3–1 win.
  • Played in Euro 2008, partnering with Miroslav Klose but faced criticism for missed chances.
  • Germany reached the final but lost 1–0 to Spain.

• 2010 FIFA World Cup:
  • Scored four goals against the United Arab Emirates in a friendly on 2 June 2009.
  • Featured in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, playing four matches as a substitute.

• Euro 2012:
  • Despite being second choice behind Miroslav Klose, played regularly during the qualification campaign.
  • Captained Germany for the first time in a friendly against Ukraine before Euro 2012.
  • Scored three goals in the tournament, finishing as the second-best scorer.

• 2014 FIFA World Cup:
  • Missed the majority of the 2013–14 season with a knee injury and was not included in the squad.

• Euro 2016:
  • Excluded from the team during Euro 2016 qualifiers.
  • Recalled to the national team in 2015, scoring against England in a friendly.
  • Scored in Germany's Euro 2016 group match against Northern Ireland and the Round of 16 match against Slovakia.

• 2018 FIFA World Cup:
  • Included in the squad for the 2018 World Cup.
  • Made an appearance against Mexico and provided an assist against Sweden.
  • Retired from international football on 5 August 2018.

• Playing Style:
  • Considered one of the best strikers during his prime.
  • Known for his ability to shoot with both feet and aerial prowess.
  • Adept at anticipating crosses and positioning for shots.
  • Described as a great finisher who excelled in being at the right place at the right time.
  • Recognized for body balance, hold-up play, and creating trouble for defenders.
  • Despite goal-scoring abilities, faced criticism for perceived limited skills and work ethic.

References;

1.  "FIFA World Cup Russia 2018: List of Players: Germany" (PDF). FIFA. 15 July 2018. p. 12. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 June 2019.
2. "Mario Gómez: Overview". ESPN. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
3. "Mario Gómez". Eurosport. Discovery. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
4. Mamrud, Roberto (17 September 2020). "Mario Gómez García – Goals in International Matches". RSSSF. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
5. "Mario Gomez" (in German). Fussballdaten. Retrieved 28 March 2014.
6. "Mario Gomez" (in German). Fussballdaten. Retrieved 28 March 2014.
7. Arnhold, Matthias (17 September 2020). "Mario GÓMEZ García – Matches and Goals in Bundesliga". RSSSF. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
8. Glendenning, Barry (9 March 2004). "Chelsea 0 – 0 Stuttgart (Agg: 1–0)". The Guardian. Retrieved 22 May 2013.
9. "Hamburg SV 2–1 VfB Stuttgart". ESPN FC. 8 May 2004. Archived from the original on 29 April 2014. Retrieved 22 May 2013.
10.  "Mario Gomez". kicker.de (in German). kicker. Retrieved 2 September 2015.
11. "Mario Gomez". kicker.de (in German). kicker. Retrieved 2 September 2015.
12. "Mariuo Gomez". kicker.de (in German). kicker. Retrieved 2 September 2015.
13. "Mainz 1–2 VfB Stuttgart". ESPN FC. 17 September 2005. Archived from the original on 29 June 2013. Retrieved 22 May 2013.
14. "Mario Gómez » Club matches" (in German). World Football. Retrieved 2 September 2015.
15. "Mario Gomez". kicker.de (in German). kicker. Retrieved 2 September 2015.