Seven top male and female stars have ended their international careers with Germany’s national sides.
Five Germany women internationals have hung up their sticks: former captain Nike Lorenz (196 caps), Anne Schröder (243 caps), Kira Horn (97 caps), Charlotte Stapenhorst (179 caps) and Cécile Pieper (219 caps).
For the men, World Cup winners Niklas Wellen (213 caps) and Marco Miltkau (160 caps) are retiring from the Honamas.
Having just turned 30, Wellen is perhaps the biggest surprise given his ascent as one of the sport’s biggest stars. Thus, he finished as junior world champion, world champion, European vice-champion and two medals at the Olympic Games. He scored 114 goals.
The 2023 World Cup semi-final in India will remain forever etched in the record books.
Germany made up a 0-2 deficit against Australia before the Australians took the lead again just under three minutes before the final hooter.
Gonzalo Peillat equalised late and a shootout in the offing. But Germany did not give up and launched a final attack. With seven and a half seconds on the clock, Wellen pushed the ball over the line and secured Germany’s place in the final.
Wellen said: “I had a great time in the national team for many years, but now I feel that my personal priorities are shifting! I am very grateful for everything I was able to experience with the boys, but I am now looking forward to life without the national team.”
André Henning, national coach, said Wellen is “one of the best players in the world. In 2023 he was by far the best. He is a role model. Giving up is never an option for him and he has the special gift of transferring his positive energy to others, of carrying an entire team along with him.”
Lorenz, 27, led Die Danas on the field for 10 years and won bronze with Germany women at the Rio Olympics in 2016.
Lisa Altenburg, former team-mate, said: For me, Nike is one of the most impressive players in the world with the ability to play in all positions. No matter where – she left her mark on the game. Her commitment and unbridled will to leave everything on the pitch and put it at the service of the team was unique. I enjoyed every second on the pitch with her and would now like to race around the pitch with her again.”
Martin Schultze, sports director and board member of the DHB, added off the retirees: “The Olympic Games were the ultimate highlight of all national players. Whether in Rio, Tokyo, Paris or at numerous World and European Championships – our retired players have always thrown everything into the DHB jersey and have won numerous titles. They are terrific role models that the girls and boys on Germany’s hockey fields look up to. On behalf of the DHB, I would like to thank each and every one of them for their irrepressible passion, their tireless commitment and the unforgettable sense of achievement together.”
