1. FC Köln: Ex-professional Marvin Matip now kicks in the district class
Author: imago / DeFodi
Marvin Matip played for 1. FC Köln for five years and has made almost 400 professional appearances over the course of his career. Now the ex-Cologne is making his comeback on the pitch – in the district class.
Cologne / Ingolstadt. 383 professional games in the first and second leagues as well as in the DFB-Pokal, 91 of them between 2005 and 2010 for 1. FC Köln: Marvin Matip (36) can without a doubt look back on an eventful career as a footballer. Now he has celebrated his comeback on the lawn – in the district class!
For three weeks now, the defender has been tying his football boots at the Ingolstadt amateur club SV Hundszell. And Matip’s debut on September 26, 2021 was a real dream debut: Not only did he celebrate a 7-0 away win at TSV Lichtenau with his new team – he also scored twice himself.
It is no coincidence that Matip is ending his footballing career in the Audi city: after his time at FC he played for FC Ingolstadt for nine years, was captain for many years and is the record player of the “Schanzer” with 278 appearances.
Marvin Matip: Ex-FC professional makes comeback in the district class
In the summer of 2019, Matip (three internationals for Cameroon) finished his professional career at FCI and then completed a bachelor’s degree in sports management. Most recently, the Bochum native also completed a six-month trip around the world with his wife Elisabeth – but now he’s back on the field. “I had actually planned this step for a long time. My former team coordinator at FC Ingolstadt, Marcel Posselt, also plays for Hundszell and wanted to guide me there some time ago, “reports Matip in an interview with”football.de“.
“Now that we are back and I am on the last legs of my studies, it was the right time to turn to the field. I still enjoy team sports a lot more than jogging alone in the forest to stay fit, ”explains the ex-Cologne resident.
Marvin Matip: “Have a relaxed drink a beer”
Did the prominent newcomer of the SVH have to listen to a few comments on the pitch? “There is always a bit of chatter in the district class, I think. But in my three missions so far, that was all within the framework and more positive than negative, ”said Matip. “There hasn’t been any big trash talk yet – and I hope it stays that way. After the games, people usually have a relaxed beer with their fellow players and opponents. “
Meanwhile, the ex-professional does not feel any pressure and wants to take it easy on the pitch. “I definitely don’t feel like the big star. And I don’t feel any pressure from my fame either. As a professional I experienced completely different situations. “Matip continues:” I don’t go too doggedly into training and games and see everything a little more relaxed than before. I just enjoy stepping back in front of the ball and being part of a team. “
In terms of sport, Matip and his new colleagues are meanwhile on an upward path: After ten match days, Hundszell is in second place in the Danube / Isar district class 2, which would be eligible to participate in the relegation.