Niklas Süle has announced his retirement from professional football, set to occur at the end of the 2025/26 season. Süle’s contract with Borussia Dortmund is due to expire on 30 June 2026.
Süle’s Decision Triggered by Injury Scare
Süle revealed his decision on the “Spielmacher” podcast. He had been considering retirement for some time, but a specific incident solidified his choice.
The moment came after the match in Hoffenheim, where he sustained a knee injury. Süle recounted the experience: “What I felt when our team doctor did the drawer test in the dressing room in Hoffenheim (a test to detect a possible cruciate ligament tear – Ed.), looked at the physio and shook his head, and the physio did it too and didn’t feel any resistance either – I went into the shower and cried for ten minutes. In that moment, I really thought: ‘It’s torn.’”
The MRI results the following day brought relief, confirming that it wasn’t a cruciate ligament tear. “When I went for an MRI the next day and received the good news (that it wasn’t a cruciate ligament tear after all), it was one thousand per cent clear to me that it was over. I couldn’t imagine anything worse than looking forward to life – being independent, going on holiday, spending time with my children – only to then have to come to terms with my third cruciate ligament tear.”
Reflecting on Dortmund Career
Süle’s move to BVB from Bayern Munich took place in the summer of 2022. During his time with the Black & Yellows, the centre-back made 109 appearances and scored three goals.
His first season with Borussia Dortmund proved particularly memorable. “What I experienced in my first year, when we almost won the league – the evening at the hotel, the walk to the stadium. What I felt then, I’d only ever felt once before, before my first professional match – the nervousness, the excitement. That was one of the most intense moments I’ve ever had, before the Mainz game. I don’t know if I’ll ever get to feel that way again in my life – with that adrenaline.”
In his first season, BVB narrowly missed out on winning the Bundesliga title. In his second season, he reached the Champions League final with the team.
Saying Goodbye to Dortmund
Süle reflected on his positive experiences in Dortmund: “When I look back on my four years in Dortmund, there were so many moments I really enjoyed. The banter in the dressing room, the stadium – we’re talking about 80,000 people here. The fans always gave me a warm welcome. I’m going to miss that time very much. How at home I felt here. On my first day, I noticed what the people in Dortmund are like: open, warm, honest. I felt a huge connection with that. My children go to nursery here. It’s really hard for us to leave.”
Süle has made 299 Bundesliga appearances in total. He has also represented Germany 49 times at international level.