Joel Matip returns to former club in rare post-Liverpool appearance

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Joel Matip has avoided the spotlight since leaving Liverpool and retiring in 2024, but the former centre-back has made a rare appearance for his former club this month. Matip made the decision to retire after his contract at Liverpool expired, having spent the majority of his final season out with an ACL injury.

Our special edition kit, featuring a very special model??#S04 | #11teamsports | @adidasfootball pic.twitter.com/IEdXk8lwHZ — FC Schalke 04 (@s04_en) December 9, 2025 The Schalke academy graduate has, however, now returned to his former club as part of a campaign for an anniversary kit with Adidas. Matip attracted interest from both Bayer Leverkusen and West Ham after leaving Liverpool, but announced his decision to retire 14 months ago.

The German-born ex-Cameroon international has gone on the enjoy a quiet retirement which is in keeping with the low profile he kept throughout his playing career. Loris Karius has revived his career at Schalke Their time in the second tier has provided an opportunity for one of Matip’s former teammates at Liverpool to revive his career: having signed on a free transfer in January, Loris Karius is now their No.