"I drank beer and ate McDonald's too often, life is too short"

Süle reflects on his playing career, admitting he prioritised enjoying life over strict fitness regimes and now plays amateur football in Germany's ninth division.

Niklas Süle has opened up about his approach to professionalism during his playing career, revealing he frequently drank beer and ate at McDonald's rather than maintaining strict discipline. Speaking on the After the Final Whistle podcast, the 31-year-old defender said: "Maybe I drank three beers and ate at McDonald's too often during my professional career.

I didn't want to be focused only on football for 15 years, I liked to enjoy myself. Life is too short not to do what you want."

Süle's comments come after images circulated before Borussia Dortmund's 2024 Champions League final against Real Madrid showing him in poor physical condition. The centre-back has since retired from professional football and now plays for an amateur team in Germany's ninth division, where he says he simply wants to enjoy the game with friends without media scrutiny.

The former defender also discussed his decision to avoid social media, saying he has no Instagram account despite acknowledging it likely cost him sponsorship deals. He believes constant comparison on social platforms is harmful and was never a priority for him.