Career End at 27: Wintzheimer Leaves Professional Football

Former VfL Bochum striker Manuel Wintzheimer, 27, has retired from professional football to become a player-coach at TSV Ettleben/Werneck in the seventh-tier Bezirksliga Unterfranken Ost. His coaching debut is scheduled for July 18, 2026, against SG Eschenbachtal-Schleerieth.

VfL Bochum and His Career Path

Wintzheimer, who was trained by FC Bayern München, played for VfL Bochum in the 2. Bundesliga among other clubs. His career included stints at Hamburger SV, 1. FC Nürnberg, and Rot-Weiss Essen. Despite a Champions League appearance with Bayern, the breakthrough at the highest level never materialized. VfL Bochum currently sits 9th in the 2. Bundesliga (0 points, goal difference 0:0) and will host Dynamo Dresden (11th) on February 13, 2027.

New Beginnings in the Seventh Tier: Returning Home

The Arnstein-native is reconnecting with his roots through the move to TSV Ettleben. Initially planned as a playing assistant coach role, the club internally opted to appoint Wintzheimer as the main player-coach. This step represents both a career shift and a significant life decision for the 27-year-old.