Mats Hummels has announced his retirement from professional football, set for this summer after an illustrious 18-year career. Currently with AS Roma, he faces limited playing time but is eager to make his final matches count, especially as the team vies for a Champions League spot. Known for his candidness, Hummels has faced both triumphs and challenges, including critical moments in finals and a controversial departure from Borussia Dortmund. His journey will be explored in an upcoming documentary.
Mats Hummels Announces Retirement from Professional Football
Mats Hummels has officially declared his intention to retire from professional football this summer. Renowned for his tackling skills and ability to execute precise passes with the outside of his foot, one thing Hummels has never been is a coward. As a seasoned player, he has the authority to decide when to hang up his boots. In a heartfelt video shared on Instagram, Hummels expressed, “I’m currently struggling with emotions. Now comes the moment that no footballer can avoid. After over 18 years with so many things that football has given me, I will end my career in the summer.”
A Final Challenge with AS Roma
Hummels has a limited number of matches left to play in Serie A, with only eight remaining on the schedule. However, given that he has been on the bench for five of AS Roma’s last eight outings, it’s likely that he will play fewer than that. Fortunately, Roma still has a chance to secure a spot in the Champions League, currently sitting just four points behind the coveted fourth place. A pivotal match against Juventus awaits on Sunday, April 6, 2025, in the iconic Olympic Stadium.
Mats Hummels thrives in high-stakes games; he has always displayed unwavering ambition throughout his career. While he yearned for another European trophy, disappointment came when he felt solely responsible for AS Roma’s exit in the Europa League round of 16 against Athletic Bilbao. Reflecting on a critical red card he received early in the match, he described the foul as “stupid” and “terrible.”
Throughout his career, Hummels has faced scrutiny regarding his speed on the pitch. Despite this, he has consistently proven his worth at the top level, earning five league titles—three with Bayern Munich and two with Borussia Dortmund. While he has been annoyed by some criticism, he has also accepted it with a touch of irony, showcasing his complexity as a player and individual.
Since his arrival at Borussia Dortmund in 2008, Hummels has made his competitive nature clear. After a disappointing cup final loss to Bayern Munich, he made his thoughts known at the post-match banquet, establishing his reputation within the club. In May 2023, leading up to the Champions League final, he took a bold step by publicly critiquing coach Edin Terzic, a move that ultimately cost him a new contract with Dortmund and led him to Serie A, where his journey is now concluding.
With Borussia Dortmund, Hummels faced heartbreak in the Champions League finals of 2013 and 2024. His candid demeanor and refusal to conform to traditional expectations have made him a polarizing figure in the sport. Although this attitude may have cost him international appearances, it also solidified his legacy as a player who was never afraid to speak his mind.
As his retirement approaches, Hummels remains a captivating figure in the football world. His story, marked by triumphs and challenges, is currently being documented, promising to give fans a deeper insight into the life of a World Champion who has played for two of the industry’s giants. This upcoming documentary is sure to be a compelling watch.