“We are with you”
In Bayern’s victory: emotional message to the sick goalkeeper
November 17, 2024 – 7:33 p.mReading time: 2 min.
Maria Luisa Grohs was diagnosed with a malignant tumor. Your teammates are using the next league game for a special campaign.
The FC Bayern footballers are also publicly showing their solidarity with their goalkeeper Maria Luisa Grohs, who is suffering from cancer. Before the Bundesliga game against Carl Zeiss Jena (5-0), the team held up a neon yellow goalkeeper jersey with the inscription “Now we are your GROHSe support” into the camera. Underneath it said: “We are with you.” The 23-year-old Grohs, who watched the game on site, revealed that she had cancer on Saturday and will be absent from FC Bayern and the national team indefinitely.
Instead of Groh, Ena Mahmutovic guarded the Bayern goal. The 20-year-old saw an easy 5-0 (2-0) victory after goals from captain Glódís Viggósdóttir (19th minute), Klara Bühl (29th), Lea Schüller (81st and 90th + 4) and Jovana Damnjanovic (82.). In the table, the champions drew level on points with second-placed Eintracht Frankfurt (both 23), while leaders VfL Wolfsburg have two points more.
The Bayern fans also made some posters with greetings and well wishes and brought them to the stadium on the Bayern Campus. “Stay strong Mala” was written on a large red banner behind the goal. “We are with you Mala,” another poster said.
The 23-year-old was diagnosed with a “malignant tumor,” her club announced. “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 get through this.”
Grohs has been playing for FC Bayern since 2019, who announced that they would extend her contract, which expires at the end of the season, until June 2026. With the Munich women, for whom she has made 81 professional appearances so far, she became German champion three times.
Grohs 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.
What role does emotional support play in an athlete’s recovery from adversity?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Dr. Anna Schneider, Sports Psychologist
Time.news Editor: Good evening, Dr. Schneider. Thank you for joining us today. The recent emotional display by FC Bayern in support of their goalkeeper, Maria Luisa Grohs, has captured a lot of attention. What are your thoughts on how sports teams can impact the mental health of their players during challenging times?
Dr. Anna Schneider: Good evening, and thank you for having me. It’s truly heartwarming to see such solidarity. Sports teams often serve as more than just a collection of athletes; they are like families. Gestures like holding up the neon yellow jersey with the message “We are with you” can profoundly affect a player’s mental health. It provides a sense of belonging and reminds the individual that they are not alone in their struggles.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. Maria Luisa Grohs announced her cancer diagnosis just before the game, which must have been unsettling for her and her teammates. How important is it for athletes to receive this kind of emotional support?
Dr. Anna Schneider: Incredibly important. Athletes often face immense pressure, not only to perform at their best but also to uphold an image of toughness. When someone like Maria is diagnosed with a serious illness, it can shatter that illusion. Having her teammates rally around her and publicly support her helps normalize vulnerability, which is crucial for mental wellness. It releases some of the emotional burden they may carry.
Time.news Editor: You mention vulnerability. How can such public displays of support impact the team dynamic overall?
Dr. Anna Schneider: Public support fosters unity and compassion among teammates. It can create a safe space where players feel encouraged to express their own vulnerabilities and seek help when needed. This collective acknowledgment of hardship can strengthen the team’s bond and enhance their performance on the field as they work together not just for victories, but also for one another.
Time.news Editor: In the Bundesliga game against Carl Zeiss Jena, FC Bayern won 5-0. Do you think emotional situations like these can influence a team’s performance positively?
Dr. Anna Schneider: Yes, they often can. When a team rallies around a teammate in distress, it can amplify motivation. Players may feel a greater sense of purpose and determination to perform well, not just for themselves, but to honor their teammate and show that they support her fight. This can translate into stronger performance on the pitch, as was the case in that match.
Time.news Editor: Such a powerful perspective. Do you think this sense of solidarity extends beyond the immediate sports community, impacting fans and the broader public?
Dr. Anna Schneider: Definitely. When teams like FC Bayern openly show support, they set an example for fans and society. It promotes awareness about important issues, such as health struggles like cancer, and encourages discussion. Fans begin to reflect on their own communities and support systems, potentially motivating them to foster similar support networks.
Time.news Editor: Before we wrap up, what message do you believe is sent to young athletes who might be facing their challenges when they see such unity from their sports idols?
Dr. Anna Schneider: The most important message is that it’s okay to be human. Young athletes learn that their worth isn’t solely based on performance, but also on compassion and support for others. They can find strength in vulnerability, knowing that they can lean on their team or community when times get tough. This is a vital lesson not just in sports, but in life.
Time.news Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. Schneider, for your insightful thoughts. It’s evident that the impact of gestures of support extends far beyond the moment, creating lasting effects on individuals and communities alike.
Dr. Anna Schneider: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing such an important topic!