Essen, Germany – Sascha Dum, 39, made 65 appearances in the Bundesliga for Alemannia Aachen and Bayer Leverkusen. But these days, the former footballer is more likely to be found serving customers than competing on the pitch. After retiring from professional soccer, Dum embarked on a new career as a waiter.
The former midfielder, a contemporary of Toni Kroos, shared with Radio Essen that he doesn’t believe his former teammates would be surprised by his career change. “I feel none of my former teammates would be surprised that I am here now. The diet during my career was always incredibly beer-garden-heavy. You can assume that feels like the right path,” he said.
From the Pitch to the Plate
Dum made his Bundesliga debut in February 2005, playing for Bayer Leverkusen in a 4-2 victory against 1. FC Nürnberg under coach Klaus Augenthaler. Throughout his 65 Bundesliga matches, he started in 15 games, scoring two goals – both for Alemannia Aachen – and providing four assists (two each for Leverkusen and Aachen). Now, instead of cleats and a jersey, he sports a traditional Bavarian vest and knee socks while working at the Hofbräu Essen.
Former Leverkusen player Sascha Dum (pictured in 2009) now works in the hospitality industry
Dum explained to Radio Essen, “At some point, the step into the hospitality industry came because I wanted to endeavor it out. It’s exactly the right thing for me. And as long as I enjoy it so much, I don’t want to do anything else.”
He draws parallels between his current job and his previous career, noting, “It’s a bit like a big football team. You have to adjust to everyone.” And regarding the customers, he added with a smile, “Some guests want a little fun and a casual joke. But there are also guests who want excellent service. Then I just send someone else.”
Dum’s last Bundesliga game was in April 2009, when Bayer Leverkusen lost 1-0 to Karlsruher SC. Nearly 17 years later, he is rarely recognized. The former Germany U21 international (with 5 caps) said, “I don’t demand that anymore. It depends on the reaction. If I’m not completely insulted, I find it quite nice.”
Dum’s career began with VfB Langenfeld in 1993 before he joined Bayer Leverkusen’s youth academy in 1998. He signed a professional contract with Leverkusen in January 2005, according to Wikipedia. A loan spell to Alemannia Aachen followed in January 2006, and he later returned to Leverkusen before further loan stints at Energie Cottbus and Fortuna Düsseldorf. He also played for MSV Duisburg and Schalke 04 II before finishing his career with VfB 03 Hilden in 2018.
Throughout his career, Dum accumulated 286 appearances and scored 9 goals, as detailed on Transfermarkt. He also represented Germany at the U19 and U20 levels.
The transition from professional athlete to hospitality worker is an unusual one, but for Sascha Dum, it appears to be a fulfilling chapter. He’s found a new team – a team of servers and kitchen staff – and a new arena where he can continue to connect with people and enjoy life, one beer at a time.
As Dum continues to serve customers at the Hofbräu Essen, his story serves as a reminder that life after professional sports can take many unexpected, and often rewarding, turns. While the roar of the crowd may be a distant memory, the satisfaction of a job well done – whether on the pitch or in a restaurant – remains a constant.
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