Giulia Gwinn has been named Footballer of the Year for 2026 after a Bayern Munich campaign that brought a domestic double and a Champions League semi-final, despite a season interrupted by injury and rehabilitation.
Key takeaways
- Gwinn, 27, won the double with Bayern Munich.
- Bayern also reached the Champions League semi-finals.
- A medial ligament injury in her left knee ruled the Germany captain out of the European Championship.
- She later underwent shoulder surgery.
- Gwinn regards the coming season as decisive and wants one thing above all: sustained fitness.
A season of recovery and silverware
The Bayern defender had a difficult route into the season. The left-knee injury cost her the Euros, while her shoulder operation added another rehabilitation period.
Even so, Gwinn finished the campaign with two domestic trophies in Munich and a run to the last four in Europe. The Germany captain welcomed the individual honour but felt there were other candidates ahead of her.
Fitness the priority in Munich
Gwinn now sees the next year at Bayern as an important one. Her central target is not another statistic or personal milestone. It is to remain healthy over a full period and contribute consistently.
SEO title: Giulia Gwinn named 2026 Footballer of the Year after Bayern double
SEO description: Bayern Munich and Germany captain Giulia Gwinn reflects on a double-winning season, injury setbacks, a Champions League semi-final and her aim to stay fit.
