Bild: L. Goretzka to Vote on Germany's Olympic Bid

L. Goretzka has just joined Aston Villa. Now the national team player faces another decision, and it's deeply personal: which of three German Olympic bid cities – Berlin, Munich, or Cologne/Rhine-Ruhr – will he support on September 26? The winner will advance to the international stage.

L. Goretzka (who played for Bochum, Schalke, and Bayern Munich) told Bild: "Berlin is our capital, Munich has captured my heart deeply over the past eight years, and North Rhine-Westphalia is my home. Now I'll first study the evaluation reports, then calmly decide which concept impresses me most." The evaluation reports on the candidate cities will only be published next week.

Why is he the only footballer able to vote on Germany's Olympic bid?

The 2016 Rio Olympic silver medalist was appointed one of 8 individual members of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB). L. Goretzka said: "Since childhood, I loved watching the Olympic Games on television, seeing how athletes inspire each other and strive for new heights. I'm very pleased to have the opportunity to vote on Germany's Olympic bid."

Among the voters is Olympic ice hockey champion Mo Fürstenau (41).

Who will win?

Berlin will likely be eliminated in the first round of voting. While the capital has the strongest international appeal, it currently faces political turbulence. The leader of the Left Party is leading in polls for Sunday's election and opposes the Olympic bid. The choice will likely come down to Munich versus Cologne/Rhine-Ruhr.

Munich is the favorite. As the host city of the 1972 Olympic Games, Munich recently secured hosting rights for the 2031 World Athletics Championships and the 2028 Champions League final.

Munich's advantage: winter sports federations, which also have voting rights, traditionally favor Bavaria. Ice hockey is an exception.

Cologne/Rhine-Ruhr's advantage: the region offered a record number of tickets – 17.6 million. Swimming competitions are planned for the Schalke stadium, and equestrian events in Aachen. IOC President Kirsty Coventry (43) just observed the World Equestrian Games there in August.

Who is behind these bids?

Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder (59/CSU) and North Rhine-Westphalia's Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst (51/CDU). Cologne's Mayor Torsten Bonstedt (63/SPD) is also actively involved.