"What a path": Lasogga ends his career

Ending his career: Pierre-Michel Lasogga. IMAGO/DeFodi Images

"The day has come... I'm saying goodbye to my active career as a footballer," Pierre-Michel Lasogga announced via Instagram on Wednesday evening. "What a journey! As a young boy, I dreamed of playing in large stadiums in front of thousands of fans – and I was able to experience just that. I'm incredibly grateful for this journey."

Lasogga's career, which he trained at Leverkusen, Wolfsburg, and Schalke, among others, really took off at Hertha BSC, where he made his first professional appearances. In his first season in the second division, 2010/11, he scored a whopping 13 goals in 25 games.

The striker stayed with the Old Lady until 2013 before moving north to Hamburger SV.

With his performance, the attacker won the hearts of HSV fans, but his time with the Red Shorts was not the easiest. Hamburger SV ultimately suffered two relegation matches, but escaped both times – thanks in part to the 33-year-old.

In the 2017/18 season, Lasogga was loaned to Leeds – the same year HSV were relegated . The striker returned to Hamburg and began his journey to the 2. Bundesliga. After 27 games and 13 goals in the lower house, the powerful attacker left Hamburg and moved to Qatar to join Al-Arabi.

After a stint at Al-Khor (Qatar), Lasogga returned to Germany in 2023, joining his boyhood club, FC Schalke 04. He played 24 times for the Royal Blues' reserves in the Regionalliga West, scoring seven goals. Towards the end of his career, he even made a name for himself with the first team, coming on as a substitute in the 70th minute of the 2. Bundesliga's final game of the season in a 2-1 defeat to Elversberg.

Thanks to all the clubs whose jerseys I was allowed to wear.

It was the last professional game for Lasogga, who has 128 Bundesliga games (34 goals), 60 games in the 2. Bundesliga (27 goals) and 16 matches in the DFB Cup (eleven goals) in his CV.

"Thank you to all the clubs whose jerseys I've been able to wear—I've always given my all and fully identified with you. Thanks to my teammates, coaches, and the entire team behind the team—you've shaped and supported me," said the striker. "Now I'm closing this chapter and looking forward to what's next."