Handball record-holder Groetzki calls time on career

Patrick Groetzki, a legendary figure in German handball, is set to retire from his 19-year career with the Rhein-Neckar Löwen. The 36-year-old right winger, who holds the record for the most Bundesliga appearances with 580 games, will play his final home match on Wednesday and his last overall game on Sunday.

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Everything has its time - and I just really want to live the life that is now coming towards me.

Groetzki has been instrumental in the club's success, participating in all their major title wins, including two German championships (2016, 2017), two DHB-Pokals (2018, 2023), and three Supercups. His consistent performance and loyalty to the "heart club" have made him a standout player in the league.

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I am not entirely calm at the thought of it.

Despite the emotional prospect of retirement, Groetzki expressed a desire for life beyond professional sports. "Everything has its time - and I just really want to live the life that is now coming towards me," he stated. He will not be staying away from the sport entirely, as he is set to move into club management for the Rhein-Neckar Löwen, a role he has already begun preparing for.

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I know: I will only feel the emotions one-to-one when my last game in front of my own fans is behind me.

League managing director Frank Bohmann praised Groetzki as a "great sports personality" and an ambassador for the Bundesliga and handball. His career began in 2007, and he quickly rose from a shy newcomer to a key player, captain, and record-holder, even participating in seven World Championships, a record for a German national player.

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Patrick is one of the great sports personalities in the Handball-Bundesliga. He is an ambassador for our league and for handball nationally and internationally.