Mario Goetze suffers muscle injury as Eintracht Frankfurt crash out of Europa League

Goetze's early exit against Tottenham compounds Frankfurt's heartbreak in European campaign.

Mario Goetze of Eintracht Frankfurt looks dejected as he speaks with head coach Dino Toppmöller after being substituted during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 quarter-final second leg match against Tottenham Hotspur at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, on April 17, 2025. Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Eintracht Frankfurt’s hopes of another fairy-tale run in Europe were brought to a screeching halt on Thursday night, and to make matters worse, Mario Goetze suffers muscle injury during the game that could rule him out for the remainder of the season. The experienced midfielder limped off early in the first half of Frankfurt’s 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur, clutching his hamstring as he exited the pitch with visible discomfort.

Coach Dino Toppmoeller confirmed after the match that the problem is “more than just a sprain,” indicating the situation is serious. A scan scheduled for Friday will provide further clarity, but the early signs suggest Goetze might not feature again this season—a huge blow for both the player and the club.

Goetze exits early as Frankfurt falls short

The decisive second leg of the Europa League quarter-final was always going to be tense, especially after Frankfurt managed to hold Tottenham to a 1-1 draw in London. But the home fans at Deutsche Bank Park were dealt a double setback. Not only did Frankfurt lose the match and get eliminated 2-1 on aggregate, but they also watched one of their most influential players leave the field just 17 minutes into the game.

Goetze, who started the match, appeared uncomfortable from the start and reached for his hamstring after a short sprint in midfield. Medical staff were quick to assist, but it became apparent that he could not continue. The 32-year-old was replaced by Donny van de Beek, but the dynamic of the midfield shifted immediately.

Coach Toppmoeller expressed concern about the nature of the injury. “We’ll do a scan tomorrow and then we’ll see how the injury looks and how long he’ll be out,” he said during the post-match press conference. “It’s more than just a sprain. We hope that we’ll see him again this season, but it’s hard to say now.”

A leader on and off the pitch

Mario Goetze may no longer be the young prodigy who scored Germany’s World Cup-winning goal in 2014, but his value to this Frankfurt side is immeasurable. This season, the former Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund midfielder has been a guiding presence among a youthful squad, helping to anchor a midfield that has often outplayed bigger teams in Europe.

He proved his enduring class in the round of 16, scoring twice in Frankfurt’s emphatic 4-1 win over Ajax—a result that raised expectations for another deep run in the tournament. But with Goetze sidelined, Frankfurt struggled to replicate that form against a determined Tottenham side, who took the lead through a first-half penalty and managed the game professionally from then on.

“It’s a big loss, not just tactically, but emotionally,” said Toppmoeller. “Mario brings experience and calmness. He’s a player everyone looks up to.”

Europa League dream ends early

The 1-0 defeat meant Frankfurt exited the Europa League at the quarter-final stage, unable to repeat their magical run of 2022, when they won the competition under then-coach Oliver Glasner. The ambition was high this season, especially with the club sitting comfortably in third place in the Bundesliga and looking likely to secure Champions League qualification for next year.

But with Mario Goetze suffering a muscle injury and the team’s performance falling flat in the biggest match of their European campaign, the disappointment was clear among players and supporters alike. Despite having more possession in the second half, Frankfurt could not create enough clear-cut chances to trouble Tottenham keeper Guglielmo Vicario.

Toppmoeller admitted the loss stung deeply. “We believed we could go all the way again. The boys gave everything, but we lacked that final ball tonight,” he said.

Bundesliga hopes still alive

Despite their exit from Europe, Frankfurt still have much to play for. With six games remaining in the Bundesliga season, they sit third in the table and are poised for their best finish in nearly three decades. If they can maintain their form, they could secure a return to Europe’s premier competition, the UEFA Champions League, next season.

The question now is whether they will have Mario Goetze available for the final stretch. The midfielder’s influence cannot be overstated, and his leadership on the field has been vital in high-pressure moments. While the scan will determine the final timeline for his recovery, the club’s medical staff are preparing for the possibility that he might not return until pre-season.

Fans rally behind Goetze

Following the announcement that Mario Goetze suffered a muscle injury, Frankfurt fans took to social media to express their support and gratitude. Messages poured in thanking him for his performances this season and urging him to focus on recovery.

One fan wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “You’ve already done so much for us this year, Mario. Wishing you a speedy recovery.” Another posted: “Not the ending we wanted, but Goetze has been class all season. Come back stronger!”

Such responses highlight the deep connection between Goetze and the Frankfurt faithful, who have appreciated his consistency, technical brilliance, and humility since joining the club.

What next for Frankfurt?

Frankfurt will need to regroup quickly as they head into the final leg of their Bundesliga campaign. With matches coming up against top-six rivals like RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund, the absence of Goetze will test the depth and resilience of the squad. Toppmoeller may look to younger talents or more experienced substitutes to fill the gap, but none can truly replicate what Goetze brings to the side.

In the end, Thursday’s result and injury news might have ended their European ambitions, but Frankfurt’s journey this season remains impressive. They’ve played attractive football, developed exciting young talent, and kept pace with the Bundesliga’s elite.

Whether or not Mario Goetze returns before the season ends, his impact will be felt throughout the dressing room—and his absence will be one more obstacle this ambitious Frankfurt team will have to overcome.