The talks between Almuth Schult and VfL Wolfsburg have been going on for a while, the topic was important for both sides and it also became a bit more complex. The national soccer goalkeeper has always had a wide range of interests. And since she wasn’t on the pitch with her team for quite a while after the 2019 World Cup due to a shoulder operation and the birth of twins in spring 2020, she has increasingly noticed what opportunities are opening up for her.
At the men’s European Football Championship, the 30-year-old shone as a TV expert for ARD, she was a co-initiator of the sports-political women’s initiative “Football can do more” – after that Schult was even traded as a candidate for the DFB presidency – she was strengthened a critical, extremely sought-after voice and finally managed to return to the Bundesliga as the only kicking mom. All of this may have influenced her thoughts about her future. In any case, it has been officially clear since Monday 3 p.m.: Schult will leave her sporting homeland in the summer after nine years.
“After much deliberation, I decided not to extend my contract with VfL Wolfsburg,” Schult is quoted as saying in the club’s announcement. “It was a very difficult decision because I know what I have in this club.” Schult came to Wolfsburg in 2013 from the then Bundesliga side SC 07 Bad Neuenahr and won the championship five times with VfL, the DFB Cup seven times and the Champions League in their debut season.
“After very trusting and open talks about her future, we hoped to the last that Almuth would accept the contract offer and continue playing for VfL Wolfsburg,” said Ralf Kellermann, sporting director of the VfL women. “At the same time, we respect the motives for taking a different path with regard to their personal situation.” Schult did not hide the fact that the compatibility of a professional career and family is a challenge – but he nevertheless emphasized that it was manageable.
Schult said she didn’t want to say goodbye just yet, but rather concentrate on the goals for the season. VfL is currently one point ahead of Bayern Munich. The European Championships in England are also scheduled for the summer. It is not yet known whether Almuth Schult will end her sporting career after the tournament or whether she will continue with another club.