UEFA Europa League launches Rise Up series, starring Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz in the first episode

The UEFA Europa League is a competition where determination drives ambition; where every team, player, and coach have the desire to win and the tenacity to overcome any obstacles that stand in their way; where fans strive for European glory alongside their team. This is the UEFA Europa League, and it's time to Rise Up.

The new UEFA Europa League Rise Up series tells the stories of the brightest lights in this season's competition. The first episode tracks the ascent of Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz.

Wirtz, a 20-year-old currently taking the Europa League by storm, is sharing his experience as one of the tournament’s most promising young talents.

From smashing records at the start of his career, earning the title of the Europa League’s Young Player of the Season for 2022/23, to facing a potentially life-changing ACL injury, Wirtz's strength of character and resilience epitomise what it means to play in the Europa League.

"I think the most difficult part is the diagnosis," Wirtz said of the injury he sustained at the age of 19. "When you're told that you have an ACL injury, it's a shock.

"The most important thing for me to focus on was the future. You need to take advantage of every day to get back to your old self, you need to get your knee back to its strength before."

Having overcome the setback of injury, Wirtz is one of Leverkusen's key playmakers, and his attitude and determination demonstrate why. However, being such a crucial part of Xabi Alonso's side comes with a huge responsibility for a young player.

"I certainly have much to learn, and I have a very good relationship with the coach. He was a very experienced player, so his knowledge is critical for me as a player to improve.

"The most important thing is the trust that he gives me. It's good for any young player to have a coach by your side who trusts me, gives me opportunities to prove myself, and makes me an important player on the pitch. I'm very grateful to him for that."

Young players like Wirtz face the ultimate test as they Rise Up through the ranks in the Europa League.

Reflecting on last season, Wirtz explained how the memory of the narrow semi-final defeat to Roma only fuels the team's fighting spirit.

"We had great experiences last year, but that ended sooner than we wanted. We have a good team this year, we've developed our playing style, and we are more dominant on the pitch."

Success in the Europa League does not come easy, or without its share of twists and turns. It is a competition that gives players the opportunity to develop, grow, and excel through facing challengers they have never faced before.

"We grew through such experiences last season. In the knockout rounds, we generally didn't perform so well in the first leg, but we improved in the second leg because we knew the opposition better, we knew how they played.

"The experience made us better as a team."

Looking ahead, Wirtz spoke about the aspirations he and his team-mates have for the Europa League this season.

"Our goal is to reach the final. Our whole team is fighting for that, and we want to go further than last year. That's obviously my dream too, to win a trophy this season."

As well as providing a platform for young players to prove themselves at European club level, the competition also helps players stand out when it comes to international selection.

"The Europa League is a great place to perform and earn a call-up for the national team," Wirtz added. "You get playing time facing some of the best in Europe, and it's a platform for me to show the coach what I'm capable of."

Keep an eye out for more episodes in the Rise Up series coming up this season, shining a spotlight on the most promising players in the Europa League.