Player Marcel Halstenberg, a former national team member, announces retirement from professional football.

Staying True to the Game: Marcel Halstenberg Hangs Up His Cleats

- Player Marcel Halstenberg, a former national team member, announces retirement from professional football.

Ready your confetti cannons, sports fans! German defender Marcel Halstenberg, once a prominent force in the field, has called it quits on his professional soccer journey. In a heartfelt video message, the 33-year-old defender shared his decision, reminiscing on his illustrious career: "I've slammed the ball past some legends, clashed defenders with the best, and donned the national team jersey - proud moments, right there."

Born and bred in the iconic city of Hannover, he learned the game within the ranks of hometown club Hannover 96. His trajectory saw him pass through Borussia Dortmund II and FC St. Pauli before securing a spot with RB Leipzig in 2015 - a move that catapulted him to the European stage. Donning the Saxon colors, Halstenberg proved his worth in the UEFA Champions League and earned a coveted spot on the national team, represented by the illustrious nine caps and one goal.

Homeward Bound, for Love of Family

His return to Hannover in 2023 was motivated by deeper roots than simply the football pitch: "My career wouldn't have been complete without two years ago. Time doesn't wait, so now I've decided it's enough. It's time for me to set aside the soccer boots and reconnect with the ones who matter most - my family," Halstenberg mused.

Farewell festivities will take place this coming Sunday (13:30 CET, Sky) during the home game against SpVgg Greuther Fürth. The last dance, however, will be on May 18 during the away match at Hertha BSC. If Halstenberg graces the pitch in both matches, he'll boast a formidable 138 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga, 165 in the Bundesliga, 25 in the DFB-Pokal, and 20 in the Champions League.

• Marcel Halstenberg
• Hannover
• Hannover 96
• Video message
• Laatzen
• Sunday

A glimpse into the career of this tenacious defender reveals:

Career Highlights

• Hannover 96: Started his journey in the hometown club's youth system.
• Borussia Dortmund II: Tested his skills in the second division.
• FC St. Pauli:improved his game before joining RB Leipzig.
• RB Leipzig: A transformative move that brought him center-stage.

Accolades

• Bundesliga: Helped RB Leipzig solidify their position in the domestic leagues.
• DFB-Pokal: Played in numerous exciting matches with RB Leipzig.
• Champions League:Proudly represented RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League.
• 2. Bundesliga: A consistent presence in the 2. Bundesliga with Hannover 96.

1. The video message from Marcel Halstenberg, a defender from Hanover who played for Hannover 96, Borussia Dortmund II, FC St. Pauli, and RB Leipzig, announced his retirement from professional football.
2. Halstenberg's decision to retire was motivated by his desire to reconnect with his family, which he left behind to pursue his football career.
3. Farewell festivities for Marcel Halstenberg will take place on Sunday during the home game against SpVgg Greuther Fürth, followed by his last match on May 18 at Hertha BSC.
4. During his career, Marcel Halstenberg played in the 2. Bundesliga, the Bundesliga, the DFB-Pokal, and the Champions League, earning numerous accolades with RB Leipzig, including a spot in the Champions League and a solid position in the Bundesliga.

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