Christoph Metzelder facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Christoph Metzelder

Metzelder in 2016
Personal information
Full name	Christoph Tobias Metzelder
Date of birth	(1980-11-05) 5 November 1980 (age 44)
Place of birth	Haltern, West Germany
Height	1.94 m (6 ft 4 in)
Position(s)	Centre-back
Youth career
1986–1995	TuS Haltern
1995–1996	Schalke 04
1996–1998	Preußen Münster
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1999–2000	Preußen Münster	32	(4)
2000–2007	Borussia Dortmund	126	(2)
2007–2010	Real Madrid	23	(0)
2010–2013	Schalke 04	52	(2)
2013–2014	TuS Haltern	1	(0)
Total		234	(8)
International career
2000–2001	Germany U21	9	(1)
2001–2008	Germany	47	(0)
Medal record Men's Football Representing  Germany FIFA World Cup Runner-up 2002 South Korea–Japan Third 2006 Germany UEFA European Championship Runner-up 2008 Austria–Switzerland
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Christoph Tobias Metzelder (born November 5, 1980) is a German former professional footballer. He played as a strong defender, usually in the centre-back position. He spent most of his career playing for Borussia Dortmund in Germany.

Even though he faced many injuries, he played 47 times for the German national team. He represented his country in two World Cups and the Euro 2008 tournament. Metzelder also played for famous clubs like Real Madrid and Schalke 04.

Christoph Metzelder's Football Journey

Playing for Borussia Dortmund

Metzelder with Dortmund

Christoph Metzelder was born in Haltern, Germany. In the year 2000, he joined Borussia Dortmund from SC Preußen Münster. He quickly became a key player for the team.

At the end of his first season in the Bundesliga, Germany's top football league, he played his first game for the German national team. This was in a friendly match against Hungary in August 2001.

In his second season with Dortmund, Metzelder helped the team win the German national title in 2002. He also played 14 matches for Germany, helping them reach the final of the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

However, he missed the entire 2003–04 season because of a serious Achilles tendon injury. He slowly returned to playing, and by October 2005, he was called back to the national team. He also scored his first two league goals for Dortmund. Metzelder was a regular starter for Germany at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, playing alongside Per Mertesacker.

Time at Real Madrid

Metzelder playing for Real Madrid in 2009

On April 18, 2007, Metzelder moved to Real Madrid in Spain. He joined them for free after his contract with Borussia Dortmund ended. In his first few months in Spain, he managed to stay healthy.

However, in February 2008, he had surgery on his foot, which meant he missed about two months of games. Despite not playing much for his club, Metzelder played in all of Germany's matches at UEFA Euro 2008. He again partnered with Mertesacker in defense.

In the 2008–09 season, he played more games for Real Madrid. He had a great performance in a 4–2 win against Sevilla FC. Metzelder left Real Madrid when his contract ended on June 30, 2010.

Coming Back to Germany

Metzelder with Schalke in 2010

Before the 2009-2010 season ended, Metzelder announced he would return to Germany. He signed a three-year contract with FC Schalke 04, a club he had played for as a youth player 15 years earlier.

In the 2010–11 Champions League season, Metzelder played in ten matches as Schalke reached the semi-finals. He also played five games in the German Cup, helping Schalke win the trophy in 2011. They won the final 5–0 against MSV Duisburg.

In May 2013, at 32 years old, Metzelder announced he was retiring from professional football. After his playing career, he worked as a football expert for TV broadcasters.

Christoph Metzelder's Family Life

Christoph Metzelder's younger brother, Malte, was also a professional footballer. He also played as a centre-back, and both brothers played for Borussia Dortmund at one point.

Christoph has a daughter named Emma, who was born on October 17, 2009. In 2006, he started an organization to help young people in Germany who are facing difficulties. He continues to support this important work.

Career Statistics

Club

International

Awards and Achievements

Borussia Dortmund

• Bundesliga: 2001–02 (Winner)
• DFB-Ligapokal runner-up: 2003 (Second Place)
• UEFA Cup runner-up: 2001–02 (Second Place)

Real Madrid

• La Liga: 2007–08 (Winner)
• Supercopa de España: 2008 (Winner)

Schalke 04

• DFB-Pokal: 2010–11 (Winner)
• DFL-Supercup: 2011 (Winner); runner-up: 2010 (Second Place)

Germany National Team

• FIFA World Cup runner-up: 2002 (Second Place); third place: 2006 (Third Place)
• UEFA European Championship runner-up: 2008 (Second Place)

Individual Awards

• Bravo Award: 2002 (Award for best young player in Europe)

See also

In Spanish: Christoph Metzelder para niños