She has tried everything. But it hasn’t worked out for her. Nadine Keßler was not able to overcome her recurring knee pains. On account of this, the 2013 European champion announced her retirement several weeks ago - at the age of just 28. "Even though there was such a long period of suffering, it was a difficult decision for me to make," said the 29-times Germany international. "I’m an all-or-nothing type of person. Unfortunately, the reality is that my knee cannot endure strenuous exercise any more. So I had to come to terms with the fact that I could no longer live up to my personal expectations. I had to react responsibly and that’s why I decided to retire."
Ahead of the international friendly in Paderborn against Ghana, Keßler will receive an official farewell from the DFB vice president Hannelore Ratzeburg and Women’s head coach Silvia Neid. "It’s obviously a huge loss for German football," emphasised Silvia Neid. "Nadine Keßler has outstanding footballing abilities and a brilliant personality - a role model both on and off the pitch. I immensely regret that she has to end her career. But I am sure she will find her way in the world of sport after her retirement." As far as football is concerned, Nadine Keßler has achieved almost everything there is to achieve. In 2014, the VfL Wolfsburg captain won Women’s World Player of the Year as well as European Footballer of the Year. Alongside all her individual successes, she has won four German championship titles, three DFB Cups and three Champions League titles.
But the time came, where her body told her unequivocally, that it could not withstand this kind of competitiveness any longer. "I even experienced pain doing normal day-to-day things," said Keßler, looking back: "Even though I’m no longer able to play football, the last few treatments have been successful enough for me to hope that I can be free of pain again in the future."
The path her life will take after professional football is pretty clear. Keßler will pursue her Masters’ degree. She would also like to remain active in the world of football or sport. "I’m not going to burry my head in the sand. I’m looking to the future positively. At the same time, I am thankful for all the wonderful moments I experienced with my club and with the DFB Women’s team. I always played football with love and passion. Now, though, I am looking forward to new challenges.
She has tried everything. But it hasn’t worked out for her. Nadine Keßler was not able to overcome her recurring knee pains. On account of this, the 2013 European champion announced her retirement several weeks ago - at the age of just 28. "Even though there was such a long period of suffering, it was a difficult decision for me to make," said the 29-times Germany international. "I’m an all-or-nothing type of person. Unfortunately, the reality is that my knee cannot endure strenuous exercise any more. So I had to come to terms with the fact that I could no longer live up to my personal expectations. I had to react responsibly and that’s why I decided to retire."
Ahead of the international friendly in Paderborn against Ghana, Keßler will receive an official farewell from the DFB vice president Hannelore Ratzeburg and Women’s head coach Silvia Neid. "It’s obviously a huge loss for German football," emphasised Silvia Neid. "Nadine Keßler has outstanding footballing abilities and a brilliant personality - a role model both on and off the pitch. I immensely regret that she has to end her career. But I am sure she will find her way in the world of sport after her retirement." As far as football is concerned, Nadine Keßler has achieved almost everything there is to achieve. In 2014, the VfL Wolfsburg captain won Women’s World Player of the Year as well as European Footballer of the Year. Alongside all her individual successes, she has won four German championship titles, three DFB Cups and three Champions League titles.
But the time came, where her body told her unequivocally, that it could not withstand this kind of competitiveness any longer. "I even experienced pain doing normal day-to-day things," said Keßler, looking back: "Even though I’m no longer able to play football, the last few treatments have been successful enough for me to hope that I can be free of pain again in the future."
The path her life will take after professional football is pretty clear. Keßler will pursue her Masters’ degree. She would also like to remain active in the world of football or sport. "I’m not going to burry my head in the sand. I’m looking to the future positively. At the same time, I am thankful for all the wonderful moments I experienced with my club and with the DFB Women’s team. I always played football with love and passion. Now, though, I am looking forward to new challenges.
