Mats Hummels is going to stop playing football. The German announced this on Friday afternoon. It earned him a flood of praise from top international players.
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Mats Hummels, the legendary German central defender, has officially announced his retirement from football at the age of 36.
This season with AS Roma will be his last, marking the end of an illustrious career that has spanned nearly two decades at the highest levels of European football. The announcement comes just ahead of AS Roma's crucial Serie A clash against Juventus on Sunday, April 6, at 20:45 a match that could prove pivotal in Roma’s quest to secure a Champions League spot for next season.
Hummels, renowned for his composure, tactical intelligence, and aerial dominance, leaves behind a legacy filled with remarkable achievements. His trophy cabinet includes five Bundesliga titles and three DFB-Pokals, predominantly earned during his storied tenures with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. Additionally, he reached the pinnacle of international football by winning the FIFA World Cup with Germany in 2014, part of the formidable defensive unit that conquered the world in Brazil. Across his international career, Hummels earned 76 caps for Die Mannschaft, establishing himself as one of the most reliable and respected center-backs of his generation.
Hummels's club career is equally impressive. He first emerged at Bayern Munich but truly made his name with Borussia Dortmund, where he became an integral part of Jürgen Klopp’s legendary side that disrupted Bayern's dominance in Germany by winning back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012. His leadership and defensive prowess were essential to Dortmund’s deep run to the 2013 UEFA Champions League final, where they narrowly lost to Bayern Munich.
After his initial Dortmund success, Hummels made a high-profile move to Bayern Munich, where he continued to add silverware to his collection. His consistent performances earned him recognition as one of the finest defenders in Europe, admired for his ability to read the game, distribute the ball with elegance, and command the backline. Later, he returned to Dortmund, proving once again to be a critical leader both on and off the pitch.
The official channels of FIFA, the Bundesliga, and Adidas all paid tribute to Hummels on Friday after his announcement, acknowledging his contribution to the sport. Tributes also poured in from fellow professionals and former teammates across the world. Paulo Dybala, his current teammate at Roma, shared his admiration with a simple but meaningful message: "What a player." Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini followed Dybala’s post by describing Hummels as "A legend, as a person and as a footballer." Gianluca Mancini, another Roma teammate, went further by dubbing Hummels "The Professor," a testament to his footballing intelligence and leadership.
Meanwhile, Devyne Rensch, who currently plays alongside Hummels at AS Roma, also reacted to the announcement. “Legend,” wrote the former Ajax player, summarizing what so many others were expressing. The news of Hummels’s retirement transcended national boundaries, with tributes flowing from prominent figures in world football. Dutch star Virgil van Dijk, rising talents like Joshua Zirkzee, and promising youngsters such as Anass Salah-Eddine all joined in to honor Hummels’s career.
Back in Germany, Hummels’s retirement prompted an outpouring of affection and respect from former teammates. Jerome Boateng, who formed a formidable central defensive partnership with Hummels during their successful World Cup campaign in 2014, wrote: “It was fun playing with and against you.” André Schürrle, who provided the crucial assist for Mario Götze’s winning goal in the 2014 World Cup final, also paid tribute. So did Bastian Schweinsteiger, another pillar of that golden German generation.
Thomas Müller, who has shared the pitch with Hummels since their youth days at Bayern Munich’s academy, added a personal touch. “We started together on the right flank, my friend,” Müller reminisced, highlighting their long-standing connection that began well before their professional breakthroughs.
Other German stars were equally quick to express their admiration. Julian Brandt posted: “It has been an honor for me to play with you.” Nico Schlotterbeck, a young defender who has likely drawn inspiration from Hummels’s success, added: “Mentor, all the best for the future.” Kevin Großkreutz, another World Cup winner, thanked Hummels for his impact, and Lukas Podolski echoed those sentiments with a heartfelt message.
Hummels’s retirement also sparked discussions about his influence on the new generation of defenders. Known for his elegance and intelligence on the ball, he was often compared to legendary center-backs like Franz Beckenbauer. His ability to initiate attacks from the back, combined with his positional awareness and leadership qualities, made him a unique presence in every team he played for. Young defenders like Schlotterbeck have often mentioned how Hummels’s style inspired their own development.
For Hummels, however, the focus remains on finishing his final season with AS Roma on a high note. Despite the emotional farewells and tributes from across the globe, his immediate attention is on Roma’s critical Serie A fixture against Juventus. The Giallorossi are locked in a fierce battle for a top-four finish, and a victory against the Old Lady would significantly boost their chances of qualifying for the Champions League.
Hummels’s determination to keep performing at the highest level until the very end has been praised by both fans and colleagues. Roma manager José Mourinho has often lauded Hummels’s professionalism and leadership qualities, expressing regret that the veteran defender will be leaving the game soon.
Sunday’s clash against Juventus will not only be a test of Roma’s resolve but also a potential defining moment in Hummels’s farewell tour. It’s a high-stakes game, where Hummels’s experience and leadership will be more crucial than ever. The German defender has made it clear that he intends to give everything for Roma until the final whistle of his career.
As the football world prepares to bid farewell to Mats Hummels, the tributes and messages of appreciation are likely to continue pouring in. Yet, for now, Hummels remains focused on the task at hand trying to guide Roma to Champions League qualification, cementing his legacy as a consummate professional who gave everything to the game.
