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

“I’ve been diagnosed with a tumour. The disease is a challenge I didn’t expect to have to tackle. But with the help of everyone here, I’m sure I’ll overcome it and make a full recovery. I’m in the very best of hands with the doctors here in Munich and can absolutely count on the support of my team and the club.”

With these words, the then 23-year-old Bayern Munich first-choice goalkeeper informed fans that she would be stepping away from football for a while. Due to a malignant tumour diagnosed in November 2024, she was forced to put her career on hold.

A key pillar of the Bavarian club and one of the great hopes of German football, she nevertheless received exemplary support. Bayern Munich automatically extended her contract by one year, even though it had been set to expire in the winter.

At the time, Bianca Rech, director of FC Bayern Women, said:
“She’ll get all the support she needs from us, which we wanted to show with the contract extension. We sincerely wish Mala a lot of strength and the best possible healing process. She’ll remain very close to us and will always be part of our team. Everything is geared towards her getting well and eventually returning to the pitch.”

Banner with Mala, you can do this! (IMAGO/Ulrich Wagner)

Nor did the fans remain silent. Shortly after the difficult news was announced, supporters turned up to matches with banners expressing their support. A particularly touching gesture came from Wolfsburg fans — Bayern’s biggest rivals in the Frauen-Bundesliga. During a Women’s Champions League match against Galatasaray, they unveiled a choreographed message reading:
“We may not agree on colours. But on this, we do. Fight, Mala!”
A truly powerful gesture.

Grohs, who alongside football has a strong interest in science and space, underwent treatment during this period. She was replaced in Bayern’s goal by Ena Mahmutović, another young goalkeeper, who would later be included in Germany’s squad for Euro 2025, albeit in a backup role.

Mala fought bravely throughout her illness, and thankfully the treatment proved highly successful. She was able to welcome the new year by returning to training, and as her progress continued, she gradually made her way back onto the pitch — initially with Bayern’s second team. Her first appearance came in a friendly against Young Boys Bern, where she played the second half and celebrated a clean sheet.

Big comeback in UWCL

Her first competitive appearance came on 9 February with Bayern’s reserve team against Bochum, where she once again played a key role in a victory secured with a clean sheet. The true culmination of her comeback, however, arrived on 18 March, when she returned to the first team.

It was anything but an easy assignment. Bayern were facing Olympique Lyon in the UEFA Women’s Champions League knockout stage — the most successful club in the history of the competition. Bayern were ultimately defeated, but Mala delivered a string of outstanding saves. And more than that, she saved a penalty taken by Lindsey Heaps — something no goalkeeper manages on an everyday basis.

Just like Ann-Katrin Berger, the legendary German goalkeeper whom Mala may one day replace in the national team, Grohs has also overcome cancer. She is now once again a firm part of the Bavarian side, competing for another Bundesliga title and continuing Bayern’s Champions League campaign, where — with Mala’s contribution — they have managed to finish among the top four teams of the league phase.