Rocco Reitz: Who is Borussia Mönchengladbach's homegrown midfield marvel?
Since breaking into the first team, Rocco Reitz has become one of Borussia Mönchengladbach's most influential players. Here's the lowdown on the Foals' midfield hub...
Stats correct as of 9 March 2026
Age: 23 (born 29 May 2002)
Club: Borussia Mönchengladbach
Position: Central midfielder
Country: Germany (17 U21 caps, two goals)
Key stats
A 5'8" midfielder born in Duisburg, Reitz joined Gladbach as a seven-year-old and featured for the side's U17s and U19s, as well as the club's second string in 2020/21. That same season, he made his senior debut against Mainz on Matchday 5, but he needed to wait two years to feature again.
In between those two outings, he spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Belgian outfit Sint-Truidense, scoring twice in 24 appearances across all competitions. He returned to the Jupiler League on a temporary basis in January of the following campaign, playing a further 12 times prior to his BORUSSIA-PARK return.
By that point, Gladbach had seen enough, and Reitz became an integral part of the squad. He appeared in all 34 Bundesliga games in 2023/24, registering six goals and three assists and also ranking in Gladbach's top five passers and top three for challenges won.
Those efforts were rewarded with his maiden Germany U21 caps, netting twice from the bench on his debut in a UEFA Euro U21 qualifiying win over Estonia in November 2023. Six months on, the Borussia star was invited to train with the senior team ahead of UEFA Euro 2024, although he is yet to make his full international bow.
Reitz remained one of Gladbach's key players the following season before being named vice-captain in 2025/26. However, club captain Tim Kleindienst's prolonged injury absence has seen Reitz wear the armband in all 24 league fixtures he has played in.
Plays a bit like: Michael Ballack
Reitz plays with an effortlessness that betrays a masterful understanding of the game. He's athletic, a fine passer and comfortable with the ball at his feet, all teasing future midfield great potential. Germany might not have seen one quite like him since the days of the legendary Michael Ballack.
Did you know?
Reitz's affiliation with Gladbach is not just a professional one - he is also an ardent fan. He was signed up as a member when he was born and, even after he had made his debut for the club, he held onto his season ticket. "Block 16 up in the Nordkürve. That will always be mine," he said, adding, "Whenever I walk out onto the pitch at BORUSSIA-PARK, I always look over there. And someday I'll be sitting there again."
Watch: Reitz scored a superbly taken goal in defeat to Dortmund in 2023/24
What they're saying
"Replacing a player one-to-one is practically never possible, as every player in the squad brings an individual profile. Especially with Rocco, in terms of his running volume, tackling strength and dynamism." - Gladbach head coach Eugen Polanski prior the game against Freiburg in February 2026, which Reitz missed
"We're all enjoying Rocco right now. He's a magnificent footballer, really assured on the ball. I love playing with him." - Ex-Germany U21 teammate Youssoufa Moukoko
"Rocco's development is progressing nicely, he impresses me. He's a player who always wants the ball, who isn't afraid of getting the ball in tight situations and who has also rewarded himself in the Bundesliga." - Germany U21 head coach Antonio Di Salvo
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