Press review on BVB defender Niklas Süle's retirement: “Wise and firm” | OneFootball

Yesterday, Niklas Süle made his decision public to end his career as a professional footballer at the end of this season. There will be no farewell on the pitch from the BVB fans or from Bundesliga fans in general, as Süle is still sidelined with injury. This is how the press is commenting on Niklas Süle’s retirement after thirteen years in the Bundesliga.

Niklas Süle played professional football for three clubs. On May 11, 2013, the Frankfurt-born defender made his debut for TSG Hoffenheim. Süle was not yet eighteen at the time, and he developed excellently with the club from Baden-Württemberg, earning his first appearance for the senior German national team in 2016.

In 2017, he moved on to FC Bayern Munich, where he won the German championship five times and the Champions League in 2020. Then in 2022, BVB brought him to Dortmund, where he signed until 2026. That contract was not expected to be extended anyway, and now Niklas Süle is calling it a day completely after 299 Bundesliga appearances (16 goals).

For Sport1, one thought above all dominates this news: “that there could have been so much more.” After all, Süle had a rare all-round package: “pace despite his size, enormous strength in challenges, dominance in the air, and a technical cleanliness that was exceptional for his build.” That was “world-class level” — at his best. But he was never able to maintain those phases consistently throughout his career, and his time at BVB in particular was largely marked by injuries. Süle was not a failure. But he also did not fully realize his potential.

Photo: IMAGO

Injuries slowed Süle down far too often at BVB

Niklas Süle chose the human side of life, Sky comments. Instead of exposing himself to the risk of further injuries, he can now enjoy his life and free himself from the constant pressure of professional football. The realization that, despite his outstanding footballing qualities, he was mentally not made for the sacrifices of professional sport shows maturity of character. German football is losing a great player, but Süle is gaining his freedom.

Süle’s decision is “consistent and smart,” Ran agrees. He was remarkably honest in the detailed interview in which he announced his retirement. Revealing weaknesses the way Süle did takes courage and deserves respect.

Like Sport1, WAZ is preoccupied with the thought: “What would have happened if?” If Süle had not had to struggle so much with injuries and his fitness. Because of that, he probably never reached his true limit as a footballer. His decision, however, is also “typical Süle” and likewise “consistent,” because he has never really conformed to the corset of expectations in professional football.

How differently people online reacted to the centre-back’s decision to hang up his boots at just 30 years old can be read here.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.