Thomas Hitzlsperger - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Early Life: Thomas Hitzlsperger was born on April 5, 1982 in Munich, Germany. He began his football career at the youth academy of Bayern Munich.
- 2. Playing Career: Hitzlsperger played as a midfielder and was known for his powerful left foot. He made his professional debut for Aston Villa in the English Premier League in 2001.
- 3. International Career: Hitzlsperger represented Germany at various youth levels before making his senior debut in 2004. He went on to earn 52 caps for the German national team.
- 4. World Cup: Hitzlsperger was part of the Germany squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2006 FIFA World Cup held in Germany. He scored a stunning long-range goal in the quarter-finals against Sweden.
- 5. Clubs: In addition to Aston Villa, Hitzlsperger also played for Stuttgart, Lazio, West Ham United, and Everton during his club career. He retired from professional football in 2013.
- 6. Nickname: Hitzlsperger was affectionately known as "The Hammer" due to his powerful shooting and long-range strikes.
- 7. Personal Life: Hitzlsperger made headlines in 2014 when he became the highest-profile footballer to come out as gay. He has since become an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in sports.
- 8. Coaching Career: After retiring as a player, Hitzlsperger transitioned into coaching. He has worked with the youth teams at VfB Stuttgart and was appointed as the sporting director of the club in 2019.
- 9. Honors: Hitzlsperger won the Bundesliga title with Stuttgart in the 2006-2007 season. He was also named German Footballer of the Year in 2007.
- 10. Legacy: Thomas Hitzlsperger is remembered as a talented midfielder with a powerful left foot and a strong work ethic. He remains a respected figure in German football and an inspiration for LGBTQ+ athletes around the world.