Niklas Süle has called time on his professional career at just 30 years old, stepping away from Borussia Dortmund after a distinguished spell in German football. Toni Kroos, the former Real Madrid midfielder and 2014 World Cup winner, has now offered a candid tribute to his long-time international teammate, celebrating the defender's uncompromising approach to life both on and off the pitch.
In his podcast "Einfach mal Luppen," Kroos spoke with genuine admiration for Süle's refusal to conform to the sanitised image most modern footballers maintain. "Niki is a top bloke. He's different from most professional footballers these days," Kroos explained. Rather than hiding behind a carefully curated public persona, Süle embraced his individuality. He made no secret of his fondness for fast food and sugary drinks—habits most elite athletes would keep private. This transparency extended to his philosophy: Süle wanted to remain authentically himself while still performing at the highest level.
Living Life on His Own Terms
Kroos acknowledged that Süle's unconventional lifestyle occasionally created friction within professional football's rigid structure. Speaking alongside his brother Felix, the midfielder suggested that some of the centre-back's injury troubles "were probably a consequence" of not living by conventional athletic standards. Yet far from criticism, Kroos expressed respect for this willingness to accept consequences. "You have to give him credit for that – and that's why I like him – because with him, you always knew what you were getting," Kroos noted. Süle's honesty and refusal to be swayed by external pressure were hallmarks of his character.
Despite these lifestyle choices, Süle's trophy cabinet is impressive. He retires with five Bundesliga titles, two DFB Cup victories, and a 2020 Champions League medal from his time at Bayern Munich. Across 300 Bundesliga appearances for Hoffenheim, Bayern, and Dortmund, plus 49 Germany caps, Süle consistently demonstrated his defensive prowess. Kroos reflected that a more ascetic approach might have extended Süle's peak performance, yet the defender's career speaks for itself.
What ultimately secured Süle's place in elite squads was his undeniable quality on the pitch. Managers and executives tolerated his unconventional ways because his performances delivered. "He has shown time and again, with great consistency, that he is a very good player and that he has earned his place on the pitch," Kroos concluded. As the football world moves toward ever-greater professionalization and image control, Süle's retirement marks the end of an era defined by authentic individuality within the modern game.
