Ex-Bundesliga Star Akaki Gogia Returns to Football in 7th League with Wacker Leuben

Akaki Gogia, the former Bundesliga player known for his stints with Union Berlin, FC Augsburg, and Dynamo Dresden, is making a surprising comeback in lower league football by joining Wacker Leuben in the 7th league. After retiring from professional football in 2023, Gogia shifted his focus to a new career in physiotherapy alongside his wife Vanessa, opening the 'Gogiapark' clinic in Dresden in early 2025.

Following brief playing stints at VSG Altglienicke and SC Freital to maintain fitness, Gogia rekindled his passion for football and felt ready to return to the pitch. His decision to join Wacker Leuben was influenced by his connection with the club's sports director, Hans Hartmann, and the promising environment featuring excellent facilities such as a new artificial turf pitch.

Gogia, 34, brings valuable experience from his professional career and personal battle with two anterior cruciate ligament injuries. He aims to assist his new teammates by applying his physiotherapy knowledge toward injury recovery while emphasizing a balance between fun and competitiveness. He stated, "I am back and feel fit, I just want to have fun on the pitch," adding that winning remains important.

His debut is scheduled for a home match against VfL Pirna-Copitz, marking an inspirational return for the ex-Bundesliga star to grassroots football, blending professional expertise with community spirit.