Mats Hummels (Part 2)

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8 Apr 2024

Mats Hummels (Part 2)

Mats Hummels faced both triumphs and challenges as a member of Bayern Munich.
The season kicked off positively for Hummels and Bayern Munich, with the team securing a convincing 5–0 victory in the German Super Cup, in which Hummels played a prominent role.
However, midway through the season, Hummels experienced a difficult spell where he lost his starting place for several matches. His performances came under scrutiny, particularly after a 3–2 loss against Dortmund on 10 November 2018. Following the match, Hummels faced criticism for his comments attributing his poor performance to illness. He mentioned having blurred vision before the game but opted to play nonetheless, only to be substituted in the second half due to his struggles on the pitch.

Despite the challenges, Hummels continued to persevere, contributing to Bayern Munich's success in the Bundesliga. On 18 May 2019, Bayern clinched their fifth consecutive Bundesliga title, finishing two points above Dortmund with 78 points. A week later, Hummels added another trophy to his collection as Bayern triumphed over RB Leipzig with a 3–0 victory in the 2019 DFB-Pokal Final.
Hummels concluded the 2018–2019 season with two goals in 33 matches played, showcasing his resilience and commitment to the team despite facing setbacks throughout the campaign.

On 19 June 2019, a significant transfer agreement was reached between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, paving the way for Mats Hummels to reunite with his former club. The deal saw the 30-year-old defender move to Borussia Dortmund for a fee of €37 million (£33 million).
Hummels concluded his tenure at Bayern Munich with notable contributions, including eight goals scored in 116 appearances for the club. During his three seasons with Bayern, he achieved considerable success, securing all three Bundesliga titles during his tenure, as well as winning the DFB-Pokal and clinching three DFL-Supercups. His impact on the team's achievements further solidified his reputation as a formidable defender and valuable asset to Bayern Munich's success during that period.

Mats Hummels has had a distinguished international career with the German national team, representing his country in several major tournaments.
He first featured for the German under-21 national team in the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, where he played a crucial role in the final, helping Germany secure a 4–0 victory against England.
Hummels made his senior team debut in May 2010, in a friendly match against Malta. He gradually established himself as a key figure in the German defense, earning praise for his performances. At the UEFA Euro 2012, Hummels played an integral role in Germany's campaign, starting all matches and delivering solid performances. His contributions helped Germany reach the semi-finals of the tournament.

During the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, Hummels showcased his defensive prowess and goal-scoring ability. He scored a crucial goal against Portugal in Germany's opening match and netted the winning goal against France in the quarter-finals.
Hummels' impressive performances earned him a place on the shortlist for FIFA's Golden Ball award for the tournament's best player.
In subsequent years, Hummels continued to be a mainstay in the German national team, serving as captain on occasions and participating in major tournaments such as the 2018 FIFA World Cup. However, in March 2019, national team coach Joachim Löw announced that he would no longer consider Hummels, along with teammates Jérôme Boateng and Thomas Müller, for selection in the national team.

Despite this decision, Hummels made a return to the national team fold in May 2021 when he was included in Germany's squad for UEFA Euro 2020. However, his tournament got off to a difficult start as he scored an own goal in Germany's opening match against France.
In November 2022, Hummels was not named in Germany's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, marking the end of his international career.

Mats Hummels is widely regarded as one of the top defenders in the world due to his combination of physical attributes, technical skills, and tactical intelligence.
He possesses a large frame, making him physically imposing and difficult to bypass for opposing attackers. Hummels is known for his strong tackling ability, using his strength to win challenges and regain possession for his team. Additionally, his aerial prowess makes him a formidable presence in defensive situations, both in marking opponents and scoring from set pieces.
Beyond his physical attributes, Hummels is praised for his astute reading of the game and his ability to anticipate and intercept passes. His tactical awareness allows him to position himself effectively to nullify opposition attacks and break up play.

Despite being a defender by trade, Hummels is also highly skilled on the ball, with excellent ball control and distribution. He is comfortable in possession and capable of initiating attacks from the back, often starting moves with accurate passes or carrying the ball forward into midfield.
Hummels' versatility is another key aspect of his game, as he is capable of playing as a defensive midfielder in addition to his primary role as a centre-back. His composure, elegance, and confidence on the ball have drawn comparisons to legendary German defender Franz Beckenbauer, highlighting his status as one of the premier defenders of his generation.

Mats Hummels hails from Bergisch Gladbach, North Rhine-Westphalia. His family background is deeply rooted in sports, with his father, Hermann Hummels, having been a professional footballer and manager, while his mother, Ulla Holthoff, pursued a career as a professional water polo player. Hermann Hummels previously served as the youth coordinator at Bayern Munich until he was succeeded by Stephan Beckenbauer, son of the legendary Franz Beckenbauer, on 30 March 2012.
Mats Hummels has a younger brother named Jonas, who also pursued a career in football but unfortunately had to retire due to injuries.

Hummels tied the knot with his wife, Cathy Fischer, who was honored as Germany's WAG (Wives and Girlfriends) of the year for 2013. The couple welcomed their first child, a son, into the world on 11 January 2018.
In August 2017, Hummels demonstrated his commitment to social causes by joining the Common Goal Project, an initiative spearheaded by Juan Mata. As part of this project, Hummels pledged to donate 1% of his salary to a collective fund aimed at supporting football organizations that contribute to sustainable social development worldwide.
On 16 November 2022, Cathy Fischer announced their divorce via her Instagram account, marking the end of their marriage.