Niklas Süle leaves Champions League for amateur side SV Tiefenbach
Niklas Süle, former Bayern Munich champion and World Cup player in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, left professional football at age 30 and joined SV Tiefenbach, a ninth‑tier amateur side. He made his debut for SV Tiefenbach as a forward, scored a header, but his team lost 7‑2.
After retiring mid‑year, he returned to football with SV Tiefenbach in the Kreisliga of Baden‑Württemberg. The Kreisliga is a non‑paid league on the ninth level of German football. The decision to quit professional football was driven by injuries and physical wear.
Süle said he did not want to spend the next 15 years feeling his life was only about football. In a podcast he said he enjoys having three beers and going to McDonald’s. He added that life is very short and you never know what can happen.
He said he is not only the player Niklas Süle but also a person outside football, needing to combine both sides. He noted many people approach him because they recognise the footballer, but behind the name there is someone who wants everyday pleasures.
Trophy‑laden career
He won five Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich. He was part of the Bayern Munich side that won the Champions League in 2020. That season Bayern Munich achieved a historic sextuple.
He also had a notable spell at Borussia Dortmund. He represented Germany at the World Cup in Russia 2018. He also played for Germany at the World Cup in Qatar 2022.
He lifted the Con trophy with Germany. He earned a silver medal with Germany at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
In May he announced via podcast that he would end his career that summer. He said he was completely sure of his decision.
He expressed gratitude for his time at Borussia Dortmund, missing the dressing room. He missed the stadium with 80,000 spectators and the fans.
Studies ruled out a ligament rupture after an injury. That episode confirmed his retirement decision. After an MRI he was sure his career was over.
He did not want another long rehabilitation or risk a third ACL rupture. He wants to enjoy vacations and time with his children.
The story was published by Olé. A photo credit from REUTERS accompanied the article.