Schleswig – For years, Matthias Holst (41) defended on the football field and was head of defense at Hansa Rostock and in Paderborn. Now he is defending Germany – as a temporary soldier.
Holst repairs fighter jets at Tactical Air Force Squadron 51 “Immelmann” in Jagel (Schleswig-Holstein).
Holst is in demand for scheduled checks – but also when something on the engine is not working
Photo: Henning Schaffner
“I haven’t regretted the decision for a day. And a lot of things in the Air Force are like in football,” explains the ex-kicker in BILD. “Both jobs are about discipline, punctuality, fitness – and really good team spirit. That appealed to me.”
In 2010, Holst (here in the Hansa Rostock jersey) suffered cartilage damage to his knee – and grew a beard
Photo: picture alliance / Annegret Hilse
Use on the tornado
As an aircraft mechanic and staff sergeant, he now tinkers with Tornado engines – takes care of maintenance and is deployed when acute damage is detected on one of the Bundeswehr’s 85 two-seat fighter aircraft. Holst: “We then also go abroad for commandos. I’ve been to Spain and Scotland so far.”
Pretty loud: A test with the engine running is only possible with ear protection
Photo: Henning Schaffner
Since 2018, the defensive warriors have been wearing camouflage overalls instead of jerseys and three-day beards instead of bushy beards. Holst made headlines during his playing days with the longest beard in the second division.
In 2010 he suffered a serious knee injury and decided not to trim his beard until he returned to the pitch. That turned into 16 months. Holst laughs: “Colleagues still ask me about this; there are a lot of Hansa fans in the Bundeswehr here in the north.”
After 300 hours of flight, a Tornado is dismantled and completely inspected
Photo: Henning Schaffner
This is how the kicker came from football to the Bundeswehr
After retiring from his career in 2013, he initially trained as an educator and worked in children’s and youth facilities. Five years ago he signed up as a temporary soldier for twelve years. Surprising because after school he decided against military service and to train with the HSV amateurs. Football was more compatible with community service, he explains.
Holst in conversation with BILD reporter Franziska Ringleben
Photo: Henning Schaffner
He had to withdraw his refusal in writing and complete the three-month basic training. Because he had already trained as a plant mechanic before his football career, he was able to get started straight away after several further training courses.
also read
He still sometimes misses his time as a professional footballer. But the career change was a conscious decision for his family. Because he lives with his wife and their five children just 50 kilometers away from the airport in Dithmarschen.
The tornado is still flying, but it will be retired from 2030
Photo: Henning Schaffner
But he hasn’t completely finished with football yet: “I can well imagine returning as a coach.” Because the Tornado will be retired from 2030. Then maybe it’s time for the next challenge.
2024-03-24 19:11:24
#Professional #footballer #Matthias #Holst #Bundesliga #Bundeswehr #Regional
