Another She-Wolf is bringing down the curtain on her career. Just a few weeks after striker Zsanett Jakabfi announced her retirement, Lara Dickenmann has also decided to call time on her playing career at the end of the current season. “I’m very grateful for the last six years that I’ve spent at VfL,” said the 35-year-old midfielder, who moved to Wolfsburg from Olympique Lyonnais in July 2015.
She was already a world-class player when she arrived, having won seven French league titles with Lyon as well as winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League twice. “It was my dream to play in the Bundesliga, and VfL realised that for me,” explained the Swiss.
Dickenmann continued to collect trophies in Germany, winning four German championships with the She-Wolves and celebrating five DFB Cup successes.
“Wolfsburg became my home”
Dickenmann has grown into a linchpin of the club, both as a footballer and person. Off the pitch, she’s particularly committed to social responsibility and was appointed VfL’s diversity ambassador. “I’ve always felt very happy and welcome at VfL, with the values it represents, and in the city,” she added. “Wolfsburg became my home.”
It’s a home where she not only got to enjoy success but has also had to overcome setbacks. In October 2018, the then 32-year-old tore her cruciate ligament, which put her out of action for nearly 11 months. “I also want to thank the fans in particular, who have always been behind me and supported me – especially during my injury lay-off,” she said. “I and the whole team miss them very much at the moment.”
“Losing a real team player”
Ralf Kellermann, VfL Women’s sporting director, paid tribute to Dickenmann: “Not only are we losing a player who has achieved everything at club level, but also a real team player who has always been fully committed to the team and the club. Although we’ll miss her very much at the end of the season, I completely respect the decision to end her career. She can look back on an impressive career, in which she’s demonstrated outstanding sporting performances along with loyalty, and always supported the club’s social activity a lot. We wish Lara all the best from the end of the campaign and will do everything to ensure that she can depart with further successes.”
