Almost a year after the end of his career
Halstenberg in the 96 jersey: What’s behind the comeback
Updated April 28, 2026Reading time: 2 minutes
The sight of this must have made some Hannover 96 fans’ hearts beat faster: Marcel Halstenberg was wearing the Lower Saxony jersey again. This is the reason.
Marcel Halstenberg ended his active professional career around eleven months ago Hannover 96. On Friday evening he was suddenly back on the pitch wearing the Lower Saxony uniform. Because: The former German national player made his debut for the traditional Hanover team.
Alongside ex-professionals such as Altin Lala, Christian Schulz and Morten Jensen, team boss Frank Obermeyer’s team competed against TSV Germania Hohnstedt in front of 350 spectators. He celebrated the club’s 105th anniversary with the duel. Hannover clearly won the game 8-1, the goals were scored by Kais Manai (3), Altin Lala (2), Shahin Faridonpur, Marco Dehne and Uzeir Karaman.
Former professional Halstenberg didn’t get on the top scorer list, but his comeback was still a big topic of conversation. Coach Obermayer said of the defender’s first appearance in the traditional team: “Marcel is an absolute asset to our team, both in terms of play and as a person.”
The now 34-year-old defensive player played 62 times for Hannover 96 in his career and contributed nine goals and eight assists. His CV also includes stints at FC St. Pauli and RB Leipzig. He played nine games for the German national team (one goal).
Since retiring last summer, Halstenberg has played in the Lower Saxony district league for SV Germania Grasdorf and took first place with his team after 24 games. He also regularly plays in the small-field “Icon League” for SC Bürgeramt.
