Niklas Süle returns to football in Germany’s ninth tier after retirement

German defender Niklas Süle has returned to football just three months after announcing his retirement from the professional game, this time making a surprise appearance as a striker for a team in Germany’s ninth division.

The 30-year-old made his debut for SV Tiefenbach and managed to score a goal, despite his side suffering a 7-2 defeat. The match marked Süle’s first return to the pitch since stepping away from professional football.

Süle ended his professional career in May after terminating his contract following a new knee injury. He said the decision was driven by a desire to prioritize his physical and mental health, and to step away from the pressures of top-level football.

During his career, Süle played for some of Germany’s biggest clubs, including Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. He also earned 49 caps for the national team and won 13 trophies.

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Weight management was one of the challenges Süle faced during his career. He previously spoke about the difficulty of maintaining his weight at Bayern Munich, revealing he sometimes fasted for a full day and spent hours in the sauna before weigh-ins.

In 2024, photos of Süle training with Borussia Dortmund sparked debate after he appeared to weigh over 110 kilograms, while his ideal weight was around 99 kilograms. Süle explained at the time that his mental health struggles contributed to his weight gain and loss of motivation.

Süle’s current return does not signal an attempt to resume professional competition. Instead, he is enjoying a different experience with a lower-league side after a career that included stints at Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and the German national team.