Moritz Leitner

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Moritz Leitner

| image = Moritz Leitner.jpg

| upright = 0.9

| caption = Leitner with VfB Stuttgart in 2013

| fullname = Moritz Leitner{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/1335777 |title=2019/20 Premier League squads confirmed |publisher=Premier League |date=3 September 2019 |accessdate=3 September 2019}}

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|12|8|df=y}}

| birth_place = Munich, Germany

| height =

| position = Midfielder

| currentclub =

| clubnumber =

| youthyears1 = 1995–1998

| youthclubs1 = FC Unterföhring

| youthyears2 = 1998–2010

| youthclubs2 = 1860 Munich

| years1 = 2010–2011

| clubs1 = 1860 Munich

| caps1 = 16

| goals1 = 0

| years2 = 2011–2016

| clubs2 = Borussia Dortmund

| caps2 = 46

| goals2 = 1

| years3 = 2011

| clubs3 = → FC Augsburg (loan)

| caps3 = 9

| goals3 = 0

| years5 = 2013–2015

| clubs5 = → VfB Stuttgart (loan)

| caps5 = 40

| goals5 = 2

| years6 = 2016–2017

| clubs6 = Lazio

| caps6 = 2

| goals6 = 0

| years7 = 2017–2018

| clubs7 = FC Augsburg

| caps7 = 6

| goals7 = 0

| years8 = 2018

| clubs8 = → Norwich City (loan)

| caps8 = 12

| goals8 = 0

| years9 = 2018–2021

| clubs9 = Norwich City

| caps9 = 38

| goals9 = 2

| years10 = 2021–2022

| clubs10 = Zürich

| caps10 = 9

| goals10 = 0

| nationalyears1 = 2008

| nationalteam1 = Austria U17

| nationalcaps1 = 1

| nationalgoals1 = 0

| nationalyears2 = 2010–2011

| nationalteam2 = Germany U19

| nationalcaps2 = 8

| nationalgoals2 = 7

| nationalyears3 = 2013

| nationalteam3 = Germany U20

| nationalcaps3 = 2

| nationalgoals3 = 2

| nationalyears4 = 2011–2015

| nationalteam4 = Germany U21

| nationalcaps4 = 24

| nationalgoals4 = 7

| club-update = 20:08, 27 May 2022 (UTC)

| nationalteam-update = 18:05, 28 June 2015 (UTC)

}}

Moritz Leitner (born 8 December 1992) is a German professional footballer who plays as a midfielder. He has previously played for Borussia Dortmund, 1860 Munich, FC Augsburg, Lazio, Norwich City and Zürich. He has been capped at youth international level by Germany and Austria.

Club career

=1860 Munich=

File:Moritz Leitner 1860 2010 2.JPG.]]

Born in Munich, Leitner started his football career at FC Unterföhring, joining them at the age of two. As a six-year-old, he moved to 1860 Munich.{{cite news |last1=Whitney |first1=Clark |title=Moritz Leitner: It's always nice to annoy Bayern Munich {{!}} Goal.com |url=https://www.goal.com/en-au/news/4016/main/2012/02/10/2897755/moritz-leitner-its-always-nice-to-annoy-bayern-munich |work=GOAL |date=10 February 2012}}

Leitner made his professional debut for his childhood club 1860 Munich on 14 August 2010, coming on as a substitute for Aleksandar Ignjovski in a DFB-Pokal match against SC Verl, setting up an equaliser for Stefan Aigner.{{cite news|title=Verl - 1860 München 1:2Ösi-Bubi (17) rettet Rumpel-Löwen|url=http://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/oesi-bubi-rettet-rumpel-loewen-13628896.bild.html|publisher=Bild.de|language=German|date=14 August 2010|accessdate=30 June 2017}} By the end of 2010, Leitner had made eighteen appearances in all competitions. Prior to his departure in January, his form dipped and he was often relegated to the substitute bench.{{cite news|title=1860 MünchenMaurer: Experiment mit Leitner ist gescheitert|url=http://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/laut-maurer-experiment-mit-leitner-gescheitert-14861216.bild.html|publisher=Bild.de|language=German|date=30 November 2010|accessdate=30 June 2017}}

=Borussia Dortmund=

In October 2010, it was announced that Leitner would move to Borussia Dortmund when the transfer window opened in January 2011.{{cite news|title=Perfekt! Leitner wird ein Borusse|url=https://www.kicker.de/perfekt-leitner-wird-ein-borusse-544208/artikel|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=29 October 2010|access-date=30 June 2017}} He signed a four-year contract with the club, keeping him there until 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.bvb.de/News/Uebersicht/Borussia-Dortmund-verpflichtet-Moritz-Leitner|title=Borussia Dortmund verpflichtet Moritz Leitner|publisher=Borussia Dortmund|language=German|date=29 October 2010|accessdate=30 June 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630195333/http://www.bvb.de/News/Uebersicht/Borussia-Dortmund-verpflichtet-Moritz-Leitner|archivedate=30 June 2017|url-status=live}}

Leitner immediately joined FC Augsburg on loan. When his loan spell at Augsburg came to an end, he returned to Borussia Dortmund and was given the number seven shirt.{{cite web|url=http://www.bvb.de/News/Uebersicht/Mit-fuenf-Neuzugaengen-in-die-neue-Saison-Wir-sind-personell-noch-staerker-geworden2|title=Mit fünf Neuzugängen in die neue Saison - "Wir sind personell noch stärker geworden"|publisher=Borussia Dortmund|language=German|date=29 June 2011|accessdate=30 June 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630195731/http://www.bvb.de/News/Uebersicht/Mit-fuenf-Neuzugaengen-in-die-neue-Saison-Wir-sind-personell-noch-staerker-geworden2|archivedate=30 June 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bvb.de/News/Uebersicht/Die-Rueckennummern-fuer-die-Saison-2011-2012|title=Die Rueckennummern fuer die Saison 2011-2012|publisher=Borussia Dortmund|language=German|date=29 June 2011|accessdate=30 June 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630195714/http://www.bvb.de/News/Uebersicht/Die-Rueckennummern-fuer-die-Saison-2011-2012|archivedate=30 June 2017|url-status=live}} Having been an unused substitute from the start of the season, he made his Borusssia Dortmund debut on 24 September 2011, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 2–1 win over Mainz 05.{{cite news|title=Piszczek auf den letzten Drücker|url=https://www.kicker.de/mainz-gegen-dortmund-2011-bundesliga-1143344/analyse|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=24 September 2011|access-date=30 June 2017}} Leitner made a handful of first team appearances between 22 October 2011 and 26 November 2011, when he suffered a back injury that kept him out throughout 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.bvb.de/News/Uebersicht/Gladbach-ohne-Reus-BVB-ohne-Leitner|title=Gladbach ohne Reus, BVB ohne Leitner|publisher=Borussia Dortmund|language=German|date=3 December 2011|accessdate=30 June 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630204524/http://www.bvb.de/News/Uebersicht/Gladbach-ohne-Reus-BVB-ohne-Leitner|archivedate=30 June 2017|url-status=live}} On 22 January 2012, he made his return to the first team, setting up a goal in a 5–1 win over Hamburger SV.{{cite news|title=Polen-Duo nimmt den HSV auseinander|url=https://www.kicker.de/hsv-gegen-dortmund-2012-bundesliga-1143442/analyse|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=22 January 2012|access-date=30 June 2017}} Although he suffered another injury later in the season,{{cite web|url=http://www.bvb.de/Spiele/Spielberichte/alt/Klopp-rechnet-mit-Kagawa-muss-gegen-Hannover-96-aber-ohne-Leitner-planen|title=Klopp rechnet mit Kagawa, muss gegen Hannover 96 aber ohne Leitner planen|publisher=Borussia Dortmund|language=German|date=23 February 2012|accessdate=30 June 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630205926/http://www.bvb.de/Spiele/Spielberichte/alt/Klopp-rechnet-mit-Kagawa-muss-gegen-Hannover-96-aber-ohne-Leitner-planen|archivedate=30 June 2017|url-status=live}} Leitner made 22 appearances in his first season although, because of competition in the playmaker position, only four as a starter in the 2011–12 season. In those 22 games, he made two assists.{{cite news|title=Lewandowski sorgt für Erleichterung|url=https://www.kicker.de/wolfsburg-gegen-dortmund-2012-bundesliga-1143539/analyse|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=7 April 2012|access-date=30 June 2017}}

Leitner made his first start of the 2012–13 season in a 2–1 loss against Bayern Munich in the DFL-Supercup.{{cite news|title=Bayern Munich 2-1 Borussia Dortmund: Muller earns Supercup spoils|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/bayern-m%C3%BCnchen-vs-borussia-dortmund/1284179/report|publisher=Goal.com|date=12 August 2012|accessdate=30 June 2017}} After the departure of Shinji Kagawa, he received more game time, making 30 appearances.{{cite news|title=Reus zündet, Götze sucht seinen Platz|url=https://www.kicker.de/reus-zuendet-goetze-sucht-seinen-platz-573615/artikel|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=20 August 2012|access-date=30 June 2017}} Due to the impressive performances of Mario Götze, however, only ten of these were as a starter and he spent most of the 2012–13 season on the substitutes bench.{{cite news|title=Adrion bestreitet ZoffWirbel um Leitner|url=http://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/borussia-dortmund/wirbel-um-leitner-29663170.bild.html|publisher=Bild.de|language=German|date=25 March 2013|accessdate=30 June 2017}} He appeared as an unused substitute in the UEFA Champions League Final against Bayern Munich.{{cite news|title=Borussia Dortmund 1-2 Bayern Munich: Robben earns redemption with late winner|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/borussia-dortmund-vs-bayern-m%C3%BCnchen/1468960/report|publisher=Goal.com|date=25 May 2013|accessdate=30 June 2017}} He made three assists with no goals scored. Leitner hinted at leaving Borussia Dortmund to get first team football in the 2013–14 season.{{cite news|title=Interesse an Ji - Leitner vor Ausleihe|url=https://www.kicker.de/interesse-an-ji---leitner-vor-ausleihe-587093/artikel|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=30 May 2013|access-date=30 June 2017}}

After two seasons on loan at Stuttgart, Leitner's future at Borussia Dortmund became uncertain following the arrival of Thomas Tuchel.{{cite news|title=Der Fall Moritz Leitner: Neustart oder Trennung?|url=https://www.kicker.de/der-fall-leitner_neustart-oder-trennung-630007/artikel|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=1 July 2015|access-date=30 June 2017}} In the first half of the season, he played for the club's reserve side.{{cite news|title=Keine Tore, aber Leitner sieht|url=https://www.kicker.de/keine-tore-aber-leitner-sieht-rot-638112/artikel|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=28 October 2015|access-date=30 June 2017}} His first appearance came on 1 October 2015 - a 1–1 draw against PAOK in the UEFA Europa League.{{cite news|title=Castro sichert dem BVB Platz eins|url=https://www.kicker.de/paok-gegen-dortmund-2015-europa-league-3256011/analyse|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=1 October 2015|access-date=30 June 2017}} In second half of the season Leitner played for the first team due to an injury crisis.{{cite news|title=BVB-Boss Watzke"Darum haben wir keine Neuen geholt"|url=http://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/hans-joachim-watzke/darum-kein-neuzugang-beim-bvb-44397774.bild.html|publisher=Bild.de|language=German|date=2 February 2016|accessdate=30 June 2017}} He went on to make twelve appearances in all competitions.

==Loan to Augsburg==

Shortly after joining Borussia Dortmund, Leitner joined FC Augsburg on loan until the end of the 2010–11 season in January 2011.{{cite news|title=Der FCA holt Callsen-Bracker und Leitner|url=https://www.kicker.de/der-fca-holt-callsen-bracker-und-leitner-546801/artikel|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=31 December 2010|access-date=30 June 2017}}

He made his Augsburg debut in a 2–0 win over Ingolstadt 04 on 16 January 2011, setting up one goal.{{cite news|title=Neuzugang Leitner leitet die Entscheidung ein|url=https://www.kicker.de/augsburg-gegen-ingolstadt-2011-bundesliga-1013680/analyse|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=16 January 2011|access-date=30 June 2017}} After being sidelined with an elbow injury,{{cite news|title=Leitner erleidet Bänderverletzung im Ellbogen|url=https://www.kicker.de/leitner-erleidet-baenderverletzung-im-ellbogen-549557/artikel|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=3 March 2011|access-date=30 June 2017}} Leitner made 9 appearances for the club.

==Loan to Stuttgart==

File:MoritzLeitner VfB.jpg.]]

On 1 July 2013, Moritz Leitner joined VfB Stuttgart on loan until June 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.vfb.de/en/aktuell/meldungen/news/2013/ausleihgeschaeft-moritz-leitner-vfb-stuttgart/page/2359-1-1-.html|title=Moritz Leitner signs for VfB|work=vfb.de|publisher=VfB Stuttgart|date=14 June 2013|accessdate=14 June 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903130240/http://www.vfb.de/en/aktuell/meldungen/news/2013/ausleihgeschaeft-moritz-leitner-vfb-stuttgart/page/2359-1-1-.html|archivedate=3 September 2014|url-status=dead}}

He made his Stuttgart debut in their first game of the Bundesliga season in a 3–2 loss against Mainz 05.{{cite news|title=Leitner, Rausch, SchwaabDie Neuen im BILD-Check|url=http://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/vfb-stuttgart/die-neuen-im-bild-check-31804312.bild.html|publisher=Bild.de|language=German|date=11 August 2013|accessdate=30 June 2017}} He suffered a knee injury in training in September 2013.{{cite news|title=Das Knie: Leitner fällt aus|url=https://www.kicker.de/das-knie_leitner-faellt-aus-592333/artikel|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=21 September 2013|access-date=30 June 2017}} He returned to the first team on 1 November 2013, playing against his parent club in a 6–1 loss.{{cite news|title=Lewandowski schießt den VfB ab|url=https://www.kicker.de/dortmund-gegen-stuttgart-2013-bundesliga-1894964/analyse|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=1 November 2013|access-date=30 June 2017}} On 1 February 2014, Leitner scored his first Bundesliga goal in Stuttgart's 2–1 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen.{{cite web|url=http://www.vfb.de/en/season/vfb/season-2013-2014/bundesliga/match-reports/page/2635-1-1-.html?p2846|title=Lead, but no luck|publisher=VfB Stuttgart|date=1 February 2014|accessdate=30 August 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304075111/http://www.vfb.de/en/season/vfb/season-2013-2014/bundesliga/match-reports/page/2635-1-1-.html?p2846|archivedate=4 March 2016|url-status=live}} He was sent off for a second bookable offence in a 4–1 loss against 1899 Hoffenheim on 15 February 2014.{{cite news|title=Bobic: "Wer nicht die Ruhe bewahrt, zerfleischt sich selbst"|url=https://www.kicker.de/bobic_wer-nicht-die-ruhe-bewahrt-zerfleischt-sich-selbst-599561/artikel|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=15 February 2014|access-date=30 June 2017}} Having suffered injuries throughout the season,{{cite news|title=Der Werner-SchockStuttgart zittert um Super-Bubi|url=http://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/vfb-stuttgart/zittert-um-werner-35596572.bild.html|publisher=Bild.de|language=German|date=17 April 2014|accessdate=30 June 2017}} Leitner finished his first season with Stuttgart with 24 appearances and one goal in all competitions.

In his second season at Stuttgart, Leitner continued to be a first team regular. He scored his first goal of the season in a 3–2 loss against Hertha BSC on 3 October 2014.{{cite news|title=Kalou und Beerens lassen die Hertha jubeln|url=https://www.kicker.de/hertha-gegen-stuttgart-2014-bundesliga-2407287/analyse|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=3 October 2014|access-date=30 June 2017}} During a 3–3 draw against Bayer 04 Leverkusen on 18 October 2014, Leitner suffered a thigh injury and was sidelined as a result.{{cite news|title=Leitner bricht ab, Uphoff vertritt Ulreich|url=https://www.kicker.de/leitner-bricht-ab-uphoff-vertritt-ulreich-613792/artikel|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=21 October 2014|access-date=30 June 2017}} As the 2014–15 season progressed, his first team opportunities came under threat when he fell out with manager Huub Stevens, resulting in Leitner being dropped from the first team.{{cite news|title=Stuttgart-Coach Huub Stevens jagt Moritz Leitner vom Platz "Steh auf!|url=http://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/vfb-stuttgart/huub-jagt-leitner-vom-platz-39410686.bild.html|publisher=Bild.de|language=German|date=20 January 2015|accessdate=30 June 2017}}{{cite news|title=VfB-Star Moritz Leitner exklusiv über die Bestrafung durch Trainer StevensHier spricht Leitner!|url=http://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/vfb-stuttgart/hier-spricht-leitner-39440634.bild.html|publisher=Bild.de|language=German|date=22 January 2015|accessdate=30 June 2017}} Leitner was also demoted to the reserve side for the rest of the season.{{cite news|title=Stuttgarts Misere hat viele Verursacher|url=https://www.kicker.de/stuttgarts-misere-hat-viele-verursacher-623048/artikel|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=14 March 2015|access-date=30 June 2017}}{{cite news|title=Didavi und Leitner spielen für den VfB II|url=https://www.kicker.de/didavi-und-leitner-spielen-fuer-den-vfb-ii-625280/artikel|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=18 April 2015|access-date=30 June 2017}} He made 20 appearances and scored once in all competitions.

Just before the end of the season, it was announced that Leitner would return to his parent club when the 2014–15 season ended.{{cite news|title=Leitner vor dem Abschied|url=https://www.kicker.de/leitner-vor-dem-abschied-623901/artikel|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=27 March 2013|access-date=30 June 2017}}

=Lazio=

On 12 August 2016, Lazio signed Leitner from Borussia Dortmund for a fee of €1.5 million.{{cite web|url=http://www.sslazio.it/images/documents/investors/Relazione_S.S._Lazio_Sem._Cons._31.12.216.pdf|title=RELAZIONE FINANZIARIA SEMESTRALE CONSOLIDATA AL 31 DICEMBRE 2016|date=30 March 2017|access-date=2 April 2017|publisher=S.S. Lazio|language=Italian}}{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/2927933/moritz-leitner-joins-lazio-from-borussia-dortmund |title=Moritz Leitner joins Lazio from Borussia Dortmund |publisher=ESPN |date=12 August 2016 |accessdate=27 October 2016}} He was signed to replace Ogenyi Onazi, who had joined Turkish Süper Lig club Trabzonspor.

On 1 October 2016, he made his Lazio debut, coming on as a late substitute in a 3–0 win over Udinese.{{cite news|title=Lazio feiert Immobile - Leitner gibt Serie-A-Debüt Int.|url=https://www.kicker.de/lazio-feiert-immobile---leitner-gibt-serie-a-debuet-661567/artikel|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=1 October 2016|access-date=30 June 2017}} Leitner made another appearance on 26 October 2016 in a 4–1 win over Cagliari.{{cite news|title=Lazio-Cagliari 4-1, Keita, doppio Immobile e Anderson per domare i sardi|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Lazio/26-10-2016/lazio-cagliari-keita-immobile-anderson-capuano-inzaghi-borriello-170608220280.shtml|publisher=La Gazzetta Dello Sport|language=Italian|date=26 October 2016|accessdate=30 June 2017}} Leitner spent the first half of the season on the bench. He made two appearances for Lazio.{{cite news|title=La Lazio ha scaricato Leitner: dopo 6 mesi va all'Augsburg|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calciomercato/30-01-2017/lazio-ha-scaricato-leitner-6-mesi-va-augsburg-180630960431.shtml|publisher=La Gazzetta Dello Sport|language=Italian|date=30 January 2017|accessdate=30 June 2017}}

=FC Augsburg=

On 31 January 2017, Leitner was signed by Bundesliga side FC Augsburg{{Cite web|url=http://www.sslazio.it/it/news/press-release-2/35718-comunicato-31-01-2017|title=Comunicato 31.01.2017|last=Editorial|website=www.sslazio.it|language=en|access-date=31 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202074920/http://www.sslazio.it/it/news/press-release-2/35718-comunicato-31-01-2017|archive-date=2 February 2017|url-status=dead}} on a four-year deal for a reported fee of €2 million.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/97715/lazio-sell-leitner-augsburg|title=Lazio sell Leitner to Augsburg|website=Football Italia|date=31 January 2017|accessdate=31 January 2017}} Upon joining the club, he was given the number five shirt.{{cite news|title=Leitner: "Ich freue mich wie an Weihnachten"|url=https://www.kicker.de/leitner_ich-freue-mich-wie-an-weihnachten-670083/artikel|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=31 January 2017|access-date=30 June 2017}}

Leitner did not appear in the first team immediately, due to issues in adapting to the club's playing style.{{cite news|title=Warum sich Leitner gedulden muss|url=https://www.kicker.de/warum-sich-leitner-gedulden-muss-671036/artikel|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=13 February 2017|access-date=30 June 2017}} On 17 February 2017, he made his second debut for Augsburg in a 3–1 loss against Bayer 04 Leverkusen.{{cite news|title=Treffer Nummer 50.000: Bellarabi trägt sich ein|url=https://www.kicker.de/augsburg-gegen-leverkusen-2017-bundesliga-3317440/analyse|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=17 February 2017|access-date=30 June 2017}} Leitner made his first start on 12 March 2017 in a 3–0 loss against Schalke 04.{{cite news|title=FußballSchalke im Schongang zum 3:0 gegen schwache Augsburger|url=http://www.bild.de/sport/aktuelles/fussball/schalke-mit-30sieg-gegen-schwache-augsburger-50814466.bild.html|publisher=Bild.de|language=German|date=12 March 2017|accessdate=30 June 2017}} He made six appearances for the club in the 2016–17 season.

=Norwich City=

Having failed to make an appearance in the first half of the 2017–18 season, Leitner was loaned to EFL Championship side Norwich City on 25 January 2018 for six months.{{cite news|title=City sign Moritz Leitner on loan|url=https://www.canaries.co.uk/News/2018/january/leitner-announcement/|publisher=canaries.co.uk|language=English|date=25 January 2018|accessdate=25 January 2018}} His debut for Norwich City was as a substitute in a 0–1 win over Brentford on 27 January 2018.{{Cite news|url=https://www.canaries.co.uk/News/2018/january/match-report-for-brentford-vs-norwich-city-on-27-jan-18/|title=Stunning Maddison strike earns City victory at Brentford|access-date=28 January 2018|language=en-gb}} On 26 June 2018, Leitner joined the club permanently on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee.{{cite news|url=https://www.canaries.co.uk/News/2018/june/mo-leitner/|title=Norwich City sign Moritz Leitner|publisher=Norwich City F.C.|date=26 June 2018}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44621461|title=Moritz Leitner: Norwich City agree four-year deal for German midfielder|date=26 June 2018|website=BBC Sport|access-date=27 June 2018|language=en-GB}} He scored the equaliser in the first East Anglian derby of the 2018–19 season, the game finishing 1–1.{{cite web |title=Ipswich Town 1 Norwich City 1 |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/45312061 |website=BBC |accessdate=29 September 2018}} With Norwich, he won promotion to the Premier League in the 2018–19 season. Afterwards, he fell out of favour and only made nine appearances in the top flight, as the club suffered relegation after one season. Despite this, Leitner remained out of the squad and made no appearances as the Canaries secured another Championship title for the 2020–21 season.{{cite news |title=Out-of-favour Norwich midfielder Moritz Leitner vows to remain professional |url=https://www.bt.com/sport/news/2021/january/out-of-favour-norwich-midfielder-moritz-leitner-vows-to-remain-professional |work=BT.com |date=12 January 2021}}

=Zürich=

On 7 August 2021, Leitner signed a one-year contract with Swiss Super League club Zürich.{{cite web |title=Der Stadtclub verpflichtet Mittelfeldspieler Moritz Leitner |url=https://www.fcz.ch/de/profis/news/2021/stadtclub-verpflichtet-moritz-leitner/ |website=FC Zürich |language=de |date=7 August 2021}} On 21 May 2022, Zürich announced that Leitner's contract will not be extended.{{cite web|publisher=FC Zürich|url=https://www.fcz.ch/en/first-team/news/2022/vier-auslaufende-vertrage-werden-nicht-verlangert/|title=Four expiring contracts will not be renewed|date=21 May 2022|access-date=28 June 2022}}

International career

Having made one appearance for Austria U17 - against Estonia U17 on 21 May 2008, a 7–0 win{{cite web|url=http://www.oefb.at/tallinn-news10756|title=7:0-KANTERSIEG IN ESTLAND! U17-TEAM TANKT SELBSTVERTRAUEN FÜR JUGEND-TOTO-CUP|publisher=OEFB Website|language=German|date=21 May 2008|accessdate=30 June 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630192006/http://www.oefb.at/tallinn-news10756|archivedate=30 June 2017|url-status=live}} - Leitner appeared to switch nationality.{{cite news|title=Maurer schwärmt von Schlitzohr Leitner|url=http://www.tz.de/sport/1860-muenchen/mauer-schwaermt-schlitzohr-leitner-859224.html|publisher=Tz|language=German|date=30 July 2010|accessdate=30 June 2017}}

In September 2010, Leitner received German citizenship, making him eligible to play for Germany.{{cite news|title=Blitz-Einbürgerung des Löwen-JuwelLeitner stürmt in deutsche U 19|url=http://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/loewen-juwel-moritz-leitner-13838364.bild.html|publisher=Bild.de|language=German|date=2 September 2010|accessdate=30 June 2017}} He made his debut for the U19 national side in a 3–0 win over Denmark U19.{{cite news|title=Minge-Elf besiegt Dänemark klar|url=https://www.kicker.de/minge-elf-besiegt-daenemark-klar-542056/artikel|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=6 September 2010|access-date=30 June 2017}} Leitner scored two goals in a 10–0 win over Andorra U19 on 8 October 2010 and another in a 2–1 win over Northern Ireland U19 three days later.{{cite news|title=1860 München Leitner wurde bei den Löwen zum Zocker|url=http://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/leitner-zocker-bei-loewen-14267064.bild.html|publisher=Bild.de|language=German|date=11 October 2010|accessdate=30 June 2017}} He later went on to score four more goals for the German U19s, including one in a 5–0 win over Macedonia U19.{{cite news|title=Deutsche U 19: "Endspiel" gegen die Türkei|url=https://www.kicker.de/deutsche-u-19_endspiel-gegen-die-tuerkei-553396/artikel|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=2 June 2011|access-date=30 June 2017}}

Leitner made his debut for Germany U21 in a 4–1 win over Cyprus U21 on 9 August 2011.{{cite news|title=Lewis Holtby führt U 21 zum Auftakterfolg|url=https://www.kicker.de/deutschland-gegen-zypern-2011-u-em-qualifikation-1130228/analyse|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=9 August 2011|access-date=30 June 2017}} Leitner scored his first Germany U21 goal on 10 October 2011 in an 8–0 win over San Marino U21.{{cite news|title=Adrion-Elf zieht weiter einsam ihre Kreise|url=https://www.kicker.de/san-marino-gegen-deutschland-2011-u-em-qualifikation-1130238/analyse|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=10 October 2011|access-date=30 June 2017}} He captained the team three times.{{cite news|title=Hofmann rettet Deutschland einen Punkt|url=https://www.kicker.de/montenegro-gegen-deutschland-2013-u-em-qualifikation-1882178/analyse|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=15 November 2013|access-date=30 June 2017}}{{cite news|title=Die Hofmanns sorgen für klare VerhältnisseU 21|url=https://www.kicker.de/deutschland-gegen-irland-2014-u-em-qualifikation-1882189/analyse|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=5 September 2014|access-date=30 June 2017}}{{cite news|title=Mallis Blitztreffer: Der Startschuss einer 8:0-Gala|url=https://www.kicker.de/deutschland-gegen-rumaenien-2014-u-em-qualifikation-1882181/analyse|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=9 September 2014|access-date=30 June 2017}} Leitner was also included in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship squad, playing once in the tournament.{{cite news|title=Ohne Müller, Zimmer und Toljan zur EMFußball|url=https://www.kicker.de/ohne-mueller-zimmer-und-toljan-zur-em-628585/artikel|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=7 June 2015|access-date=30 June 2017}}

In March 2013, Leitner was called up by Germany U20.{{cite news|title=Drei Absagen für Adrion, Horn und Mustafi nachnominiert|url=https://www.kicker.de/drei-absagen-fuer-adrion-horn-und-mustafi-nachnominiert-583356/artikel|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=19 March 2013|access-date=30 June 2017}} He scored in both legs against Switzerland U21.{{cite news|title=Leitners Kracher zieht Eidgenossen den Zahn|url=https://www.kicker.de/leitners-kracher-zieht-eidgenossen-den-zahn-583646/artikel|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=22 March 2013|access-date=30 June 2017}}{{cite news|title=Leitners Last-Minute-Tor lässt DFB-Elf jubeln|url=https://www.kicker.de/leitners-last-minute-tor-laesst-dfb-elf-jubeln-583839/artikel|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=26 March 2013|access-date=30 June 2017}}

Personal life

Leitner's father, Erwin Feldberger (born 1943), comes from the Baden-Württemberg town of Burladingen. His mother comes from Austria. His father was also a footballer. Leitner is one of two children and grew up in the suburb of Oberföhring.{{cite web|url=http://www.swp.de/hechingen/lokales/burladingen/Jungstar-mit-Burladinger-Wurzeln;art5604,1251967|title=Jungstar mit Burladinger Wurzeln|language=German|publisher=Hohenzollerische Zeitung|date=10 December 2011|accessdate=26 April 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425052352/http://www.swp.de/hechingen/lokales/burladingen/Jungstar-mit-Burladinger-Wurzeln;art5604,1251967|archivedate=25 April 2016|url-status=dead}}

Career statistics

rowspan="2"\|Club !rowspan="2"\|Season !colspan="3"\|League !colspan="2"\|Cup !colspan="2"\|Continental !colspan="2"\|Other{{efn\|Includes German Super Cup.}} !colspan="2"\|Total !rowspan="2"\|{{Tooltip\|Ref.\|Reference}}
class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" \|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
1860 Munich \|2010–11 \|2. Bundesliga \|16	0	2	0	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	18	0	{{cite web\|title=Moritz Leitner » Club matches\|url=http://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/moritz-leitner/2/\|publisher=World Football\|accessdate=14 August 2015}}
FC Augsburg (loan) \|2010–11 \|2. Bundesliga \|9	0	0	0	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	9	0
rowspan="3"\|Borussia Dortmund II \|2011–12 \|rowspan="2"\|Regionalliga West \|2	0	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	2	0
2015–16 \|8	3	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	8	3
colspan="2"\|Total !10	3	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	10	3	—
rowspan="4"\|Borussia Dortmund \|2011–12 \|rowspan="3"\|Bundesliga \|17	0	2	0	3	0	1	0	23	0
2012–13 \|25	0	1	0	4	0	1	0	31	0
2015–16 \|8	0	1	0	3	0	colspan="2"\|—	12	0
colspan="2"\|Total !50	0	4	0	10	0	2	0	66	0	—
rowspan="3"\|VfB Stuttgart (loan) \|2013–14 \|rowspan="2"\|Bundesliga \|21	1	1	0	2	0	colspan="2"\|—	24	1	{{cite web\|title=Maritz Leitner\|url=http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/vereine/2013-14/65949/vereinsspieler_leitner-moritz.html\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127045331/http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/vereine/2013-14/65949/vereinsspieler_leitner-moritz.html\|url-status=dead\|archive-date=27 November 2015\|website=Kicker\|publisher=kicker\|access-date=14 August 2015\|language=German}}
2014–15 \|19	1	1	0	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	20	1
colspan="2"\|Total !40	2	2	0	2	0	colspan="2"\|—	44	2	—
VfB Stuttgart II (loan) \|2014–15 \|3. Liga \|1	0	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	1	0
Lazio \|2016–17 \|Serie A \|2	0	0	0	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	2	0
FC Augsburg \|2016–17 \|Bundesliga \|6	0	0	0	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	6	0
Norwich City (loan) \|2017–18 \|Championship \|12	0	0	0	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	12	0
rowspan="4"\|Norwich City \|2018–19 \|Championship \|29	2	2	0	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	31	2
2019–20 \|Premier League \|9	0	1	0	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	10	0
2020–21 \|Championship \|0	0	0	0	0	0	colspan=2\|—	0	0
colspan="2"\|Total !50	2	3	0	0	0	0	0	53	2	—
colspan="3"\|Career total !184	7	11	0	12	0	2	0	209	7	—

Honours

Borussia Dortmund

Bundesliga: 2011–12{{Cite web |url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/t/t2011-121003.html |title=Borussia Dortmund 2011-12 |publisher=bdfutbol.com |access-date=5 November 2020}}
DFB-Pokal: 2011–12{{citation needed|date=May 2019}}
UEFA Champions League runner-up: 2012–13{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22540468 |title=Bor Dortmund 1–2 Bayern Munich |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=25 May 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418053224/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22540468 |archivedate=18 April 2015}}

Norwich City

EFL Championship: 2018–19, 2020–21{{cite book |editor-first=John |editor-last=Anderson |title=Football Yearbook 2019–2020 |year=2019 |publisher=Headline Publishing Group |location=London |isbn=978-1-4722-6111-3 |pages=258–259}}{{cite news |last1=Bailey |first1=Michael |title=Norwich win Championship title after securing Premier League promotion |url=https://theathletic.com/news/norwich-championship-premier-league-promotion/SX8hzKBbud4O |work=The Athletic |date=1 May 2021}}

References

External links

{{Fussballdaten}}

Category:1992 births

Category:Living people

Category:Footballers from Munich

Category:German people of Austrian descent

Category:German men's footballers

Category:Austrian men's footballers

Category:Men's association football midfielders

Category:Austria men's youth international footballers

Category:Germany men's youth international footballers

Category:Germany men's under-21 international footballers

Category:Bundesliga players

Category:2. Bundesliga players

Category:3. Liga players

Category:Regionalliga players

Category:English Football League players

Category:Premier League players

Category:Serie A players

Category:Swiss Super League players

Category:TSV 1860 Munich players

Category:FC Augsburg players

Category:Borussia Dortmund players

Category:VfB Stuttgart players

Category:SS Lazio players

Category:Norwich City F.C. players

Category:FC Zürich players

Category:German expatriate men's footballers

Category:German expatriate sportspeople in Italy

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Italy

Category:German expatriate sportspeople in England

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England

Category:German expatriate sportspeople in Switzerland

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Switzerland

Category:Austrian people of German descent

Category:21st-century Austrian sportsmen

Category:21st-century German sportsmen

rowspan="2"\|Club !rowspan="2"\|Season !colspan="3"\|League !colspan="2"\|Cup !colspan="2"\|Continental !colspan="2"\|Other{{efn\|Includes German Super Cup.}} !colspan="2"\|Total !rowspan="2"\|{{Tooltip\|Ref.\|Reference}}
class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" \|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
1860 Munich \|2010–11 \|2. Bundesliga \|16	0	2	0	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	18	0	{{cite web\|title=Moritz Leitner » Club matches\|url=http://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/moritz-leitner/2/\|publisher=World Football\|accessdate=14 August 2015}}
FC Augsburg (loan) \|2010–11 \|2. Bundesliga \|9	0	0	0	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	9	0
rowspan="3"\|Borussia Dortmund II \|2011–12 \|rowspan="2"\|Regionalliga West \|2	0	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	2	0
2015–16 \|8	3	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	8	3
colspan="2"\|Total !10	3	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	10	3	—
rowspan="4"\|Borussia Dortmund \|2011–12 \|rowspan="3"\|Bundesliga \|17	0	2	0	3	0	1	0	23	0
2012–13 \|25	0	1	0	4	0	1	0	31	0
2015–16 \|8	0	1	0	3	0	colspan="2"\|—	12	0
colspan="2"\|Total !50	0	4	0	10	0	2	0	66	0	—
rowspan="3"\|VfB Stuttgart (loan) \|2013–14 \|rowspan="2"\|Bundesliga \|21	1	1	0	2	0	colspan="2"\|—	24	1	{{cite web\|title=Maritz Leitner\|url=http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/vereine/2013-14/65949/vereinsspieler_leitner-moritz.html\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127045331/http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/vereine/2013-14/65949/vereinsspieler_leitner-moritz.html\|url-status=dead\|archive-date=27 November 2015\|website=Kicker\|publisher=kicker\|access-date=14 August 2015\|language=German}}
2014–15 \|19	1	1	0	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	20	1
colspan="2"\|Total !40	2	2	0	2	0	colspan="2"\|—	44	2	—
VfB Stuttgart II (loan) \|2014–15 \|3. Liga \|1	0	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	1	0
Lazio \|2016–17 \|Serie A \|2	0	0	0	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	2	0
FC Augsburg \|2016–17 \|Bundesliga \|6	0	0	0	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	6	0
Norwich City (loan) \|2017–18 \|Championship \|12	0	0	0	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	12	0
rowspan="4"\|Norwich City \|2018–19 \|Championship \|29	2	2	0	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	31	2
2019–20 \|Premier League \|9	0	1	0	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	10	0
2020–21 \|Championship \|0	0	0	0	0	0	colspan=2\|—	0	0
colspan="2"\|Total !50	2	3	0	0	0	0	0	53	2	—
colspan="3"\|Career total !184	7	11	0	12	0	2	0	209	7	—