Unusual Exit of Mats Hummels from Black-Yellow (Schalke 04) - Mats Hummels Bids an Unusual Farewell in a Yellow Jersey
Mats Hummels Bids Farewell to Football in Emotional Return to Borussia Dortmund
Mats Hummels, a legendary figure in Borussia Dortmund's history, brought an end to his illustrious career in an unusual yet poignant manner last August, after a single season at AS Roma. The German defender returned to Dortmund for a ceremonial farewell game against Juventus Turin on August 10, 2025, marking the conclusion of a career that spanned 17 years and 508 official appearances across two spells with the club.
Hummels, who turned 36 years old around the time of his retirement, chose to end his active career with the friendly match, captaining Dortmund for 18 minutes before being substituted by Niko Kovac and replaced by Niklas Süle. The crowd at Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park greeted his departure with a standing ovation and a lap of honor, reflecting the deep appreciation for his contributions to the club.
The defender's departure from Dortmund last summer was not without controversy. Hummels had made no secret of his disappointment at not receiving a new offer from the club, leading to his move to Roma. However, the crowd had already cheered loudly when he entered the field for warm-up before the game, and he was enthusiastically celebrated by his teammates as he left the pitch after the final whistle.
After the match, Hummels addressed the fans, expressing gratitude for his 17-year tenure with Dortmund. The BVB fans, despite the 1:2 score, cheered Hummels' departure, a testament to the enduring love and respect they hold for the player. The club and fans showed their appreciation by selling a special jersey in Hummels' honor, a gesture that underscores his status as one of Dortmund’s greats and second in all-time appearances for the club.
Throughout his career, Hummels was a highly decorated player, winning two Bundesliga titles, two German Cups, and a World Cup with Germany. His farewell was emotional and celebrated by fans and the club alike, a fitting end to a career marked by dedication, skill, and a deep connection to Borussia Dortmund.
The Commission has not yet adopted a decision on the application of Article 93 (2) of the Treaty, but Mats Hummels' retirement from football saw an emotional return to Borussia Dortmund, where his football analysts might find a wealth of statistical evidence to examine his successful career in sports, particularly his exceptional performances in football.
