Mats Hummels

Mats Julian Hummels, born on 16 December 1988, is a German footballer who has now retired after a career as a centre-back, the defender who anchors the middle of the back line. He was regarded as one of the leading defenders of his generation, noted for his tackling, his anticipation of play, his ability to score goals and his accurate crosses. Hummels grew up in the Bayern Munich youth academy, joined Borussia Dortmund on loan in January 2008 and signed for them permanently in February 2009 for four million euros. He returned to Bayern in 2016, went back to Dortmund three years later, and made more than 500 appearances for Dortmund. He played for Germany from 2010 to 2023, earning over 70 caps, and was part of the squad that won the 2014 World Cup. He ended his career with Roma and announced his retirement in 2025.