Niklas Süle hangs boots at 30 after terrifying ACL warning: 'I cried in the shower'

The former Champions League winner, Niklas Süle, announced a major career decision at just 30.

The German centre-back while making an appearance on the Spielmacher podcast, revealed his career decision.

Süle made the announcement and said, “I would like to announce that I will be ending my career this summer.”

Süle then went on to explain why he thinks the time has come to hang his boots after he turns 30 due to a recent injury scare in a game against Hoffenheim.

“What I felt when our team doctor did the drawer test (to diagnose a possible cruciate ligament tear) in the dressing room in Hoffenheim.”

The defender then disclosed his fears of being stuck with a third ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury, which triggered an emotional reaction in the dressing room.

He said, “ (I) Looked at the physio and shook his head, and the physio did it too and didn’t feel any resistance either—I went into the shower and cried for 10 minutes. In that moment, I really thought: it’s torn."

Süle continued, “When I went for an MRI the next day and received the good news, it was one thousand per cent clear to me that it was over.

I couldn’t imagine anything worse than looking forward to life—being independent, going on holiday, spending time with my children—only to then have to come to terms with my third cruciate ligament tear.”

Süle has hung up his boots after a stunning career that included a Champions League triumph and a key role for BVB.

Since joining Dortmund from Bayern in 2022, Süle has played in 109 games for the club.