Joel Matip has announced his retirement from professional football, following his summer exit from Liverpool. Now 33-years-old, the four months free agent decided to hang up his boots following a career that saw him win different trophies with the Reds.
The Cameroonian central defender missed most of the 2023-24 season because of a knee injury but remained a fans’ favourite at Anfield. Matip was an integral part of the Liverpool team which won the Premier League and Champions League, and former Reds boss Jürgen Klopp – who signed him from Schalke in 2016 – labelled him “one of the most underrated players in football.
Now entering into a new phase of his career, Matip has retired and taken to coaching. He took up an assignment with the local club SSV Buer in his hometown of Gelsenkirchen, Germany. The club welcomed him on Instagram: “From the Reds to the Rothosen, Joel Matip is now coaching at SSV Buer, assisting with youth training. We’re thrilled to have such a legend working with us!”
Known for his calmness on the pitch, as well as his football intelligence, Matip’s move into coaching is viewed as a natural progression. His experience will be very invaluable to the young talents at SSV Buer.
