Former international footballer Marcel Halstenberg has started his retirement career in the Kreisliga just under three months after retiring. Playing for his former youth club Germania Grasdorf from near Hanover, the 33-year-old celebrated his debut in lower league soccer on the first league matchday of the season against SV Weetzen.
The ex-professional scored his first goal when he confidently converted a penalty after just under 20 minutes. Although the central defender kept his usual number 23, Halstenberg played in attacking midfield instead of in defense.
Two-time DFB Cup winners with Leipzig
More than 400 spectators watched the club's star signing instead of the usual 100. The Grasdorf district belongs to the town of Laatzen on the outskirts of Hanover. Halstenberg ended his career at second division club Hannover 96 in May.
The defender played 165 first and 138 second division games and was under contract with RB Leipzig and FC St. Pauli, among others. The nine-time German international won the DFB Cup with Leipzig in 2022 and 2023.
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