Disclaimer: This article includes references to cancer.
In October, while Bayern was dominating the Champions League and Mala Grohs was playing a key role in goal, she sensed something wasn’t quite right. Concerned, she reached out to doctors and even made the difficult decision to step back from national team duties for the upcoming fixtures. As medical tests were still ongoing, Grohs continued to play in goal. Then came the devastating news: she had been diagnosed with a malignant tumour, requiring immediate treatment.
Her club FC Bayern Munich shared a video message of Mala speaking up about her diagnosis in November of 2024. In it Grohs stated:
“This disease is a challenge that I never thought I would have to overcome, but I’m sure that with the help I’m now getting from everyone around me, I will make it and get completely well and healthy again.”
Her teammates, several clubs from the Bundesliga, as well as coaches and players from the national team shared their messages and comments for Mala online, wishing her a speedy recovery:
“We are with you!” – Giulia Gwinn
“Mala, you can do this! Sending strength your way!” – Manuel Neuer
“Loads of strength Mala, you can do this!” – Alex Popp
On December 21st, Mala shared an update on her Instagram, posting pictures of her scar and moments with her teammates visiting her in the hospital. In her caption, she delivered some positive news:
“After a rollercoaster ride of diagnoses and long days of waiting, I had my surgery two weeks ago, now Christmas is coming around for us all to relax and recover before we start again. The girls have been taking good care of me and if you know your way around scars, you can see that this has been done by professionals!”
A few days later she then also expressed her gratitude for all the messages and videos she got during this time, sharing clips on her instagram.
After her diagnosis, her club extended her contract until 2026, so she can focus on her full recovery knowing she’s got a club that has her back and that she can call home.
In January Grohs was back in training with the club for the first time after her diagnosis and treatment, slowly working her way back onto the pitch.
Her first game back was the 2-0 win against VFL Bochum on February 9th, where she kept a clean sheet for Bayern Munich’s second team.
While there is no set date for Mala’s return to the first team just yet, she is actively training and making steady progress on her road to recovery.
“It felt good to have a bit more of a relaxed first game back instead of being put under pressure straight away”, Grohs said after the game on Sunday.
Coach Alexander Straus has praised Grohs for her remarkable strength, expressing his admiration for her resilience. He emphasised that she is a vital part of the first team and her determination is truly inspiring.
“She is close to return to the first team […] we have to keep going step by step, there’s not only the physical, but also the mental aspects that need to be kept in mind, it needs to “feel right” to come back.”
Photo – https://fcbayern.com/frauen/en/news/2024/10/mala-grohs-forced-to-withdraw-from-germany-squad
