Former Liverpool defender Joel Matip has decided to retire from professional football, according to reports.
His decision to call time on his football career is coming following his exit from the Reds as a free agent in the summer of 2024.
Despite Interest From Schalke 04, Joel Matip Kept To His Decision To Retire From Football
Reports indicate that Schalke 04 wanted to bring Matip back to the club on a free transfer, but the Cameroonian wasn’t ready to alter his retirement decision.
The director of the German club, Stefan Kuntz, made efforts to ask if he could reach out to the player, but as aforementioned, Joel Matip’s mind was made up.
Joel Matip At Liverpool
The 33-year-old departed Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 season, after spending 8 years at the Merseyside-based club.
Matip made 201 appearances for the Anfield side, scoring 11 goals and providing 6 assists across all competitions.
Joel Matip had a successful spell at Liverpool, producing top performances and winning many big trophies, including; 1 UEFA Champions League, 1 Premier League, and 1 UEFA Super Cup.
The ex-Cameroon international retirement decision indicates that he has toed the line of Thiago Alcantara, who also departed Liverpool at the end of last season, with the Spaniard calling time on his football career in July 2024.
Who Is Joel Matip?
Job Joël André Matip is a former professional footballer who played as a center-back.
He was a strong and clever footballer, who was known for his ability to dribble up the pitch to create momentum.
Joel Matip’s Personal Information?
He was born on August 8, 1991, in Bochum, Germany, to his mother, Eva-Maria Matip, and his father, Jean Matip.
The 33-year-old is the brother of former Cameroon international Marvin Matip, and he is also the cousin of Joseph-Désiré Job, a former professional footballer who played as a forward for clubs like Middlesbrough, Metz, and Nice and represented the Cameroon national team.
Joel Matip attended the Gesamtschule Berger Feld.
Joel Matip’s Wife And Children?
He is married to Larissa Stollenwerk, whom he tied the knot with in 2020, having been dating since 2016.
The couple have a child together, a son, who was born in June 2021.
His Net Worth?
Joel Matip’s net worth is estimated to be between the region of €35 million – €40 million.
Joel Matip’s Career Stats?
The Cameroonian made 459 club appearances in his career, scoring 34 goals and providing 20 assists across all competitions.
Internationally, Matip made 27 appearances for Cameroon, scoring 1 goal and providing no assists.
Clubs He Played For In His Career?
The 33-year-old played for just 2 clubs in his career, namely; FC Schalke 04 and Liverpool FC.
Joel Matip’s Position?
Joel Matip functioned primarily as a center-back, but he could also be deployed as a defensive midfielder.
Matip’s Achievements?
Joel Matip won several trophies in his career, including 1 UEFA Champions League, 1 Premier League, 1 UEFA Super Cup, 1 English FA, and 1 DFB Pokal.
