Thomas Hitzlsperger, born on April fifth, nineteen eighty-two, is a distinguished German football executive and former professional player, renowned for his role as a midfielder. Currently, he serves as a board member at the Serie A club Hellas Verona, contributing his extensive experience to the world of football.
Hitzlsperger's career began in England with Aston Villa, where he showcased his talent before returning to Germany to join Stuttgart. During his time with Stuttgart, he was part of the squad that celebrated victory in the Bundesliga in two thousand seven. His journey continued in two thousand ten when he signed with the Italian club Lazio, later making a return to England to play for West Ham United. His career also included brief stints with Wolfsburg and Everton.
On the international stage, Hitzlsperger represented the Germany national team, earning fifty-two caps and participating in significant tournaments such as the two thousand six World Cup and Euro two thousand eight. After a series of injuries, he made the decision to retire from professional football in September two thousand thirteen. Following his retirement, he made headlines by coming out as gay, becoming the highest-profile male footballer in the world to do so.
In February two thousand nineteen, Hitzlsperger took on the role of head of sport at VfB Stuttgart, eventually rising to the position of CEO. He held this influential role until March two thousand twenty-two. In two thousand twenty-five, he joined Hellas Verona as a board member, continuing to make an impact in the football industry.