Bayern Munich women’s goalkeeper Mala Grohs diagnosed with cancer

The Bayern Munich goalkeeper Mala Grohs has been diagnosed with cancer and will be sidelined indefinitely, the Frauen Bundesliga club said on Saturday.

The club said in a statement that the 23-year-old has been “diagnosed with a malignant tumour.” Bayern’s sporting director, Max Eberl, added that Grohs “is now facing her toughest battle, and we stand by her side, wishing her the strength she needs and all the best.”

Bayern have also extended Grohs’ contract until June 2026. “By extending her contract, we hope to offer some support so she can focus on her recovery and let her know Bayern will always be her home,” said Eberl. “She is a key player, a highly respected teammate, a role model for the fans, and a figure in our club.”

Grohs, whose full name is Maria Luisa, made her debut for Bayern in January 2021, added in the statement: “The illness is a challenge that I never thought I would have to overcome. I am sure that with the support I am receiving from all sides, I will recover and return to being completely healthy.”

After joining Bayern’s reserve team from Bochum in 2019, Grohs became first-choice keeper in 2022. She has played 81 matches for the senior side, winning three German championships and a German Super Cup. Grohs kept a clean sheet for Bayern on Tuesday in the Women’s Champions League, as they beat Vålerenga 3-0 at home.