Serge Gnabry Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 25, 2025
As the football world enters 2025, few players embody the perfect fusion of speed, skill, and relentless determination quite like Serge Gnabry.
Once dismissed as a promising but inconsistent youngster, Gnabry has transformed into one of the most feared wingers in Europe—a key figure for Bayern Munich and a vital asset for the German national team.
From being released by Arsenal as a teenager to becoming a Champions League winner and international star, Gnabry’s journey is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and elite-level consistency.
Related: Paulo Dybala Then and Now
Then: The Early Years – A Prodigy Misunderstood (1995–2016)
1. Roots in Stuttgart and Arsenal’s Academy
Born on July 14, 1995, in Stuttgart, Germany, Serge Leon Gnabry began his football journey at VfB Stuttgart’s youth academy before moving to Arsenal at age 16. His explosive pace, technical flair, and goal-scoring instinct made him a standout in the Gunners’ youth ranks.
He made his Arsenal senior debut in 2012, scoring in the League Cup, and won the FA Youth Cup in 2013. However, opportunities in the first team were limited under Arsène Wenger, and in 2016, at just 21, he was released—a decision that would later be viewed as one of the Premier League’s biggest misjudgments.
2. A Rocky Path: Werder Bremen and the Turning Point
After a brief, underwhelming stint at West Bromwich Albion, Gnabry joined Werder Bremen on loan in 2016, with the deal made permanent later that year. It was in Bremen that Gnabry found his footing:
- Scored 11 goals in 33 Bundesliga appearances in 2016–17
- Showed flashes of his potential as a dynamic, two-footed winger
But it was his international breakout that changed everything.
3. Euro 2016 and the Rise of a Star
Despite not being a regular starter for Bremen, Gnabry was called up to Germany’s Euro 2016 squad. In a stunning performance against Slovakia, he came off the bench and scored twice, announcing himself on the world stage. His pace, movement, and clinical finishing silenced doubters and reignited interest from top clubs.
Related: Sandro Tonali Then and Now
The Rise: Becoming a Bayern Munich Force (2017–2021)
1. Move to Bayern Munich – A New Chapter
In July 2017, Gnabry signed with Bayern Munich for €8 million, initially as a backup option. But under manager Jupp Heynckes, he seized his chance and delivered immediately.
His 2018–19 season was nothing short of sensational:
- 23 goals and 10 assists across all competitions
- Key player in Bayern’s domestic double (Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal)
- Earned the nickname “The German Mbappé” for his explosive pace and directness
2. Champions League Breakout and Historic Performances
Gnabry cemented his status with a legendary performance in the 2019–20 Champions League:
- Scored a hat-trick against Tottenham Hotspur in the group stage
- Netted twice in a 7–2 aggregate win over Tottenham
- Played a crucial role in Bayern’s treble-winning campaign (2019–20): Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and UEFA Champions League
His ability to cut in from the right, use both feet, and finish with precision made him one of Europe’s most dangerous wingers.
Now: The 2025 Era – Maturity, Leadership, and Evolution (2022–2025)
1. A Consistent Force at Bayern Munich
By 2025, Gnabry remains a vital part of Bayern’s attack, though his role has evolved. With the arrival of younger stars like Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sané, Gnabry has adapted into a versatile forward, capable of playing on either wing, as a false nine, or in a central attacking role.
Despite battling injuries in the 2022–23 and 2023–24 seasons, he consistently returned with impact:
- Crucial goals in tight Bundesliga matches
- Leadership in high-pressure European fixtures
- Mentoring younger players in the squad
In the 2024–25 season, under new manager Vincent Kompany, Gnabry embraced a more intelligent, positionally disciplined role, using his experience to maximize efficiency over pure explosiveness.
2. Key Stats (as of 2025):
- Over 100 goals and 50 assists for Bayern Munich
- Four-time Bundesliga champion (2019, 2020, 2022, 2023)
- UEFA Champions League winner (2020)
- DFB-Pokal winner (2019, 2020, 2023)
- FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup winner (2020)
He ranks among Bayern’s top scorers of the 2010s–2020s era, a remarkable achievement for a player once written off.
3. International Career: Germany’s Modern Wing General
Gnabry has been a mainstay for Germany since his international debut in 2016. With over 50 caps and 20+ goals, he’s played in:
- UEFA Euro 2020
- FIFA World Cup 2022
- UEFA Euro 2024 – where Germany reached the semifinals
At Euro 2024, Gnabry delivered a vintage performance, scoring against Hungary and providing key assists in the knockout stages. Though younger stars like Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz now lead the attack, Gnabry is respected as a senior figure and locker-room leader.
His hat-trick against Estonia in 2019—scored in just 15 minutes—remains one of the fastest in German history.
Related: Nicolò Barella Then and Now
Playing Style and Evolution (2025 Perspective)
In 2025, Gnabry’s game reflects both maturity and adaptation:
- Pace: Still explosive, but used more strategically
- Finishing: Clinical with both feet and in the air
- Dribbling: Sharp close control, excellent at beating full-backs
- Work Rate: High pressing and defensive contribution
- Versatility: Comfortable on both wings and in central roles
He’s no longer just a “winger”—he’s a complete attacking threat, capable of changing games in multiple ways.
Personal Life and Character
Known for his calm demeanor and professionalism, Gnabry keeps his personal life private. He is in a long-term relationship and is known to be deeply family-oriented. Despite his fame, he remains grounded, often visiting youth academies and supporting charitable causes in Germany and beyond.
He’s also an advocate for:
- Mental health awareness
- Youth development in football
- Racial equality – having spoken out against discrimination in the sport
His journey—from being released by Arsenal to becoming a Bayern legend—makes him a role model for perseverance.
Related: Joško Gvardiol Then and Now
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Serge Gnabry’s story resonates far beyond statistics:
- He’s a symbol of second chances in football
- Proof that development doesn’t follow a linear path
- A pioneer of the modern, two-footed, goal-scoring winger
He’s also a bridge between generations at Bayern Munich—part of the post-Robben/Ribéry era and a mentor to the next wave of stars.
In Germany, he’s celebrated not just for his goals, but for his loyalty, humility, and fighting spirit.
Conclusion: Serge Gnabry – Then and Now (2025)
- Then: A 21-year-old released by Arsenal, fighting for relevance in Werder Bremen, desperate to prove he belonged.
- Now (2025): A Champions League winner, four-time Bundesliga champion, international star, and respected veteran at one of the world’s biggest clubs.
Serge Gnabry’s journey is one of redemption, resilience, and relentless reinvention. He didn’t just overcome rejection—he used it as fuel.
As he enters the final phase of his career, whether at Bayern or abroad, one thing is certain:
Serge Gnabry isn’t just remembered for his goals.
He’s remembered for never giving up.
🔥 “They said I wasn’t good enough. I didn’t argue. I just kept scoring.” – Serge Gnabry
Related: Matheus Nunes Then and Now