Mario Gomez Garcia is a German professional footballer who plays as a striker for VfB Stuttgart and the Germany national team.
Gomez can shoot with both feet and is considered to be an aerial threat. However, his best ability remains his ability to anticipate crosses and passes, and position himself to shoot. Moreover, Gomez's body balance and ability to hold up the ball often creates trouble for defenders.
He began his professional career with VfB Stuttgart, and when they became champions in 2006–07, Gomez contributed 14 goals and 7 assists at age 21 and was selected as German Footballer of the Year. In 2009, he signed for Bayern Munich for an estimated €30–35 million, then a league record. With Bayern Munich, Gomez was the Bundesliga top scorer in 2011, and helped the team to seven honours, including the UEFA Champions League in 2013. He then left for Serie A team Fiorentina for a €20 million fee in 2013, and was affected by injury during his time in Italy. Gomez was loaned to Turkey's Besiktas in 2015 and was top scorer as they won the Super Lig, then subsequently returned to Germany by joining VfL Wolfsburg. After helping them avoid relegation in his first season, he agreed to return to VfB Stuttgart in January 2018.
Gomez made his senior international debut for Germany in February 2007, and was included in their squads for three UEFA European Championships and the 2010 FIFA World Cup, finishing as top scorer at UEFA Euro 2012. |
