FRANCE TO RAISE TUITION FEES FOR NON-EU STUDENTS FROM 2026

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By; Ganiyat Sunmola

Borussia Dortmund defender Niklas Süle has confirmed that he will retire from professional football at the end of the season, ending his career at the age of 30.

The Germany international made the decision after suffering a knee injury in last month’s Bundesliga match against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.

Süle initially feared he had suffered a third anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, an injury that has previously disrupted his career. Although medical tests later confirmed he had avoided an ACL tear, he said the incident changed his perspective on continuing in the sport.

Speaking on the Spielmacher podcast on Wednesday, Süle revealed he was emotional after the initial diagnosis, saying he “went into the shower and cried for 10 minutes” because he believed the worst had happened.

Even after the MRI results showed there was no ACL tear, Süle explained that he had already made up his mind to retire, as he could not face another long rehabilitation period or the risk of further serious injuries.

“In that moment, I really thought: ‘It’s torn,’” he said.

“When I went for the MRI the next day and received the good news that it was not a cruciate ligament tear, it was 1,000% clear to me that it was over.”

He added that the thought of another major setback was too difficult to accept, especially after previous injuries.

Süle will remain under contract with Borussia Dortmund until 30 June, after which he will officially leave the game.

During his career, he won five Bundesliga titles with FC Bayern Munich and was part of the squad that lifted the 2020 UEFA Champions League.

At international level, he earned 49 caps for Germany, featuring in two World Cups and winning the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.

His retirement brings an early end to a career that showed great promise but was ultimately affected by injuries and repeated comebacks.