Mala Grohs

OL Lyonnes

Jun 13, 2001

#1 - Goalkeeper

mala_grohs

Maria Luisa "Mala" Grohs is a German footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for OL Lyoness.

Did You Know?

Although her name is Maria Luisa, everyone calls her Mala.

In November 2024, she announced that she was discontinuing her career due to a tumor being found. In February 2025, she returned to the game, starting for the B team.

Her idol is Stephen Hawking.

If she wasn't a football player she would try to get into the ESA space programme and train as an astronaut.

Source: Instagram

On her return from chemotherapy, her first start was in the Champions League play-off against Lyon, where she saved a penalty.

Her tradition is read Harry Potter books before Christmas.

Articles

From Diagnosis to the Big Stage: Mala Grohs’ Remarkable Return

Strong Story

Dec 31, 2025

The Bayern Munich goalkeeper has come through a truly turbulent period. She overcame cancer, saved a penalty in the Women’s Champions League immediately upon her return, and went on to celebrate a title with her club.

Bayern Munich's goalkeeper Grohs makes her first start since treatment for tumor

News

Mar 19, 2025

Bayern Munich's goalkeeper Mala Grohs made her first start since undergoing treatment for a malignant tumor, playing in a Women's Champions League quarterfinal match against Olympique Lyonnais. Despite Bayern’s 2-0 defeat, Grohs made a crucial penalty save, denying Lyon a third goal. The match saw goals from Tabitha Chawinga and Melchie Dumornay securing the win for Lyon.

Grohs was diagnosed with the tumor in October 2024 and underwent throat surgery in December. Bayern publicly announced her diagnosis in November and later extended her contract until June 2026 to support her recovery. Her return, highlighted by the penalty save, marks a major milestone in her comeback to professional football.