From BVB defender to striker and goalkeeper in the ninth division, the funny reconversion of Niklas Süle

Retirement at 31. Here is the choice made by Niklas Süle on May 7. Having played for Hoffenheim and Bayern

By Manu Tournoux · French Football Weekly

Published: Thursday, 1 October 2026 at 12:42 AM

Key Things to Know

Niklas Süle has joined ninth-division German side SV Tiefenbach as an amateur striker and emergency goalkeeper.
The 31-year-old retired from professional football in May after suffering a severe knee injury with Borussia Dortmund.
Süle has started five games for SV Tiefenbach in attack, scoring four goals so far.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Borussia Dortmund and Germany defender Niklas Süle has joined ninth-tier German club SV Tiefenbach after retiring from professional football at age 31. Following his retirement in May due to a serious knee injury, Süle signed with the amateur club to play purely for enjoyment alongside close friends, starting five matches as an attacker and scoring four goals.

Süle also stepped in as a goalkeeper during a recent match after the regular keeper suffered a hand injury. The former Bayern Munich defender, who won 49 caps for Germany, opted to move away from the pressures of elite football to enjoy the sport in a non-professional setting.

Read the full article on French Football Weekly

From BVB defender to striker and goalkeeper in the ninth division, the funny reconversion of Niklas Süle

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