Joel Matip retires and begins new Journey as Youth Coach
Joel Matip has officially retired from professional football after leaving Liverpool last summer. The 33-year-old, who had been a free agent for nearly four months, made the decision to hang up his boots following an illustrious career that saw him lift multiple trophies with Liverpool.
According to Ruhr Nachrichten, Matip sustained a knee injury in his final season, which kept him out of action for a large part of the 2023-24 campaign. Despite his absence, Matip remained a beloved figure at Anfield. Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, who brought him from Schalke in 2016, described him as “one of the most underrated players in football.”
Matip, who was part of Liverpool’s squad that won the Premier League and Champions League, leaves behind an incredible legacy at the club. Now, he’s focusing on his next chapter – coaching.
In a surprising turn of events, Matip has started coaching at SSV Buer, a local club in his hometown of Gelsenkirchen, Germany. The club’s Instagram post revealed the news: “From the Reds to the Rothosen, Joel Matip is now coaching at SSV Buer, assisting with training for the youth team. We’re thrilled to have such a legend working with us!”
Matip’s transition into coaching comes as no surprise to those who know him well. He was always known for his football intelligence and calm demeanor, traits that will surely benefit the young players at SSV Buer.
