Süle: "I just want to play football and have a beer with my friends"

Retired at 30, Süle returned to play ninth-tier football for Tiefenbach without professional pressure, now discussing his career struggles with fitness in a podcast.

Niklas Süle hung up his boots at 30 but announced a comeback months later—this time at ninth-tier Tiefenbach, away from the spotlight. The German defender, who won the Champions League and five Bundesliga titles, has spoken candidly on the 'After the Final Whistle' podcast about his professional career and the fitness battles that dogged him throughout.

Süle acknowledged his poor habits during his elite career, admitting he frequently consumed beer, hamburgers, and McDonald's while playing professionally. Despite his achievements across two World Cups and major trophies, he was often scrutinized for his physical condition.

Now playing at a lower level, he emphasized he has no desire to return to the elite: "I don't want five, six or seven TV crews following me in my first matches in the ninth division. I just want to play football and have a beer with my friends."

The former Borussia Dortmund defender also revealed he has no Instagram account and avoids social media, acknowledging it likely cost him sponsorship deals. He reflected on the pressures of professional football and the difficulty of balancing his personal identity with his public persona as a footballer.