Thomas Hitzlsperger

Lore & Background

As a player, Hitzlsperger spent the early part of his career with Aston Villa in England, before returning to Germany to play for Stuttgart, where he was a member of the team which won the Bundesliga in 2007. In 2010, he signed for Italian side Lazio, before moving back to England to join West Ham United later that year. He then had brief spells with Wolfsburg and Everton. Hitzlsperger also represented the Germany national team, earning 52 caps and being selected for the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008. Following a series of injuries, he retired from football in September 2013. After his retirement, he came out as gay, the highest-profile male footballer in the world to do so. In February 2019, Hitzlsperger was appointed head of sport at VfB Stuttgart, later rising to the position of CEO. He stepped down from this role in March 2022. In 2025, he joined Hellas Verona as a board member.

Reader's Guide

Thomas Hitzlsperger played as a midfielder. He was known for his powerful left-foot shot from long-range, earning the nickname 'The Hammer' during his time at Aston Villa. He captained the Germany under-19 team and appeared for the national under-21 side. He made his senior debut for Germany in a 2–0 win against Iran on 9 October 2004. His international career ended on 11 August 2010 with his 52nd cap.

Did You Know?

• Hitzlsperger scored his first senior goal for Aston Villa in a 2–2 draw against Leicester City on 20 April 2002.
• He scored a crucial equalizer for Stuttgart in their final match of the 2006–07 season, helping them win the Bundesliga title.
• Hitzlsperger came out as gay in January 2014, becoming the highest-profile male footballer to do so at the time.
• He regularly visited the Bank of England to discuss finance with the bank's governor, Mervyn King, a lifelong Aston Villa fan.