Thomas Hitzlsperger

Lore & Background

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. He 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 Their Own Story

The floodlights hummed over the BayArena on a cold April night. Thomas Hitzlsperger stood near the center circle, wiping sweat from his brow as the whistle blew for half-time. The scoreboard showed a narrow lead, but the second leg against Liverpool loomed large in the minds of everyone present. He signaled to his midfield partners, gesturing for tighter spacing and disciplined pressing. In that moment, he was not just a player; he was the tactical heartbeat ensuring Leverkusen's dreams remained alive until the final whistle.

Reader's Guide

Hitzlsperger never played for Bayer Leverkusen or Hertha BSC. His club career included Aston Villa, Stuttgart, Lazio, West Ham United, Wolfsburg, and Everton. He won the Bundesliga with Stuttgart in 2007. He did not participate in the 2004–05 UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

Did You Know?

• Hitzlsperger gained the nickname 'Der Hammer' at Aston Villa due to his powerful left-foot shot.
• He scored his first senior goal in a 2–2 draw against Leicester City on 20 April 2002.
• He was deposed as Stuttgart captain by manager Markus Babbel in December 2009.
• Hitzlsperger studied investment strategies while in England and regularly visited the Bank of England to discuss finance with governor Mervyn King.