Bernd Schneider Retires

When Franz Beckenbauer announced following the World Cup victory in 1990 that a united Germany would be unstoppable for years to come, he was as mistaken as Pele in his prediction. Aside from brief moments of hope in Euro ’92 and Euro ’96 the expected push coming from the integration of East German players never seemed to completely materialize. With the injury forced retirement of Matthias Sammer the German dominance completely flickered out. Indeed, World Cup ’98 seemed to be a watershed for Germany as it went deeper and faster into the abyss of football obscurity.

Reaching the final in World Cup 2002 proved Beckenbauer’s prediction was not totally misplaced. Although it was by far Oliver Kahn and Michael Ballack who got Germany to the final against Brazil, it was in no small part due to the skills of “Schnix” Bernd Schneider. If Ballack was the engine of the team then Schneider was its catalyst with his clever passes, amazing dribbling, and vital presence in midfield.

Schneider was again pivotal for Germany’s success during Germany ‘06. Indeed, if it were not for his near-miss against Italy, Germany might have been going for its fifth FIFA star in South Africa.

Sadly since then, Schneider has suffered the same cruel fate that befell Matthias Sammer. Despite flashes of his former brilliance Schneider has never been able to shake off his persistent injuries. Those injuries prevented his participation in Euro 2008 where his absence was telling.

In the end, Schneider’s injury may have affected Germany and Bayer Leverkusen for the worse, but thankfully he can rest assured that his passion for football is shared by the future of the DFB-Elf. Germany is on the verge of a historic youth football treble – once again brilliant and on the ascendant. By carrying team Germany this past decade and gracefully handing the baton on, Schneider’s contribution to the German football legacy will never be forgotten.