Former Arsenal and Germany defender Shkodran Mustafi has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 32. Shortly after, he secured a position as the assistant coach for Germany’s Under-17 national team.
Mustafi’s decision to retire comes after a challenging year as a free agent, following his departure from Levante where injuries limited his appearances. This significant career shift highlights his readiness to impart his knowledge and experience to the next generation of footballers.
How old is Shkodran Mustafi?
32
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A Storied Career Comes to an End
Mustafi’s professional career spans numerous clubs and accolades. He is best remembered for his time at Arsenal, where he played from 2016 to 2021. However, his crowning achievement came in 2014 when he was part of Germany’s World Cup-winning squad. During his international career, Mustafi earned 20 caps between 2014 and 2017, becoming a key component of Joachim Low’s setup.
Mustafi began his professional journey at Everton, joining their youth setup in 2009 after moving from Hamburg’s youth academy. He made his senior debut for Everton but found first-team opportunities limited, leading to a move to Sampdoria in 2012. It was in Italy that Mustafi began to establish himself, making 50 appearances and catching the eye of several top European clubs.
In 2014, Mustafi signed with Valencia, where he enjoyed two successful seasons, featuring in 64 matches and scoring six goals. His performances in La Liga earned him a transfer to Arsenal in 2016 for a reported fee of £35 million. During his tenure at Arsenal, Mustafi made 151 appearances, scoring nine goals and winning the FA Cup twice in 2017 and 2020.
After leaving Arsenal in 2021, Mustafi had a brief stint with Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga before joining Levante in La Liga. Unfortunately, injuries hampered his time in Spain, leading to limited playing opportunities and his eventual decision to retire.
Embracing Coaching Aspirations
The move into coaching is not entirely surprising for Mustafi, who has expressed a growing interest in this field. He revealed that coaching has been on his mind for some time, and although he wished to prolong his playing career, the opportunity to start coaching came at an opportune moment.
“I’ve been thinking about gaining experience as a coach for a while,” Mustafi stated. “On the one hand, it’s a shame that it’s coming so soon because I would have liked to have played football myself for longer. On the other hand, I’m really looking forward to the time ahead and to taking my first steps as a coach at the DFB. I want to pass on all the experience I’ve gained during my time with the U15s, U21s and of course with the senior national team to the boys.”
Joining Forces with Marc Meister
Mustafi will be serving as the assistant manager under Marc Meister, beginning on July 1. This role will allow him to develop his coaching skills while working closely with Meister, who has a wealth of experience in youth development. The position is a strategic fit for Mustafi, enabling him to transition smoothly from player to coach, and providing him with a platform to influence young talents in Germany’s footballing pipeline.
Shkodran Mustafi’s Playing Career Highlights
Shkodran Mustafi’s playing career is marked by several notable highlights:
- World Cup Winner (2014): Mustafi was part of the Germany squad that triumphed in Brazil, although his tournament was cut short due to injury.
- FA Cup Wins (2017, 2020): Mustafi won two FA Cups with Arsenal, contributing to the club’s success in domestic cup competitions.
- Professional Debut: Mustafi made his senior debut for Everton in 2009 before moving to Sampdoria, where he solidified his reputation as a reliable defender.
- Premier League and La Liga: Mustafi played in two of Europe’s top leagues, featuring prominently for Arsenal and Valencia.
- Transfer to Arsenal: His £35 million move to Arsenal highlighted his status as one of Europe’s sought-after defenders.
Looking Ahead
As Shkodran Mustafi embarks on this new chapter, the football community will watch with interest. His transition from a decorated player to a budding coach is a testament to his dedication and love for the game. While his playing days are now behind him, Mustafi’s influence on football continues, promising a new era of growth and success for the young talents under his guidance.
Shkodran Mustafi’s retirement from professional football and his immediate step into coaching reflect a natural progression for a player with a rich history in the sport. His journey, from winning the World Cup to shaping the future of Germany’s youth teams, underscores the enduring impact he aims to have on the beautiful game.
