Markus Eisenbichler, one of Germany's most successful ski jumpers, has announced his retirement after the upcoming World Cup final to be held from March 28 to 30, 2025, in Planica, Slovenia. His announcement came on March 12, 2025, through his Instagram channel, where he expressed the difficulty of making this decision but felt it was the right time to conclude his sports career.
Eisenbichler, 33, has had quite the illustrious career, with Planica holding special significance as the site of his first World Cup victory back in 2019. During his career, he claimed two more individual World Cup wins, several World Championship titles, and earned a bronze medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Reflecting on his retirement, Eisenbichler shared, "Skispringen was my life – with highs and lows, with emotions hard to put to words. I’ve lived my dream and am infinitely grateful." His decision has received acknowledgment from the German Ski Federation (DSV), which highlighted Eisenbichler’s contributions to the sport.
Eisenbichler’s career began prominently during the 2011/12 season when he debuted at just 20 years old. Throughout his time with the German national team, he became known as a reliable competitor, especially during key events such as the World Championships. His standout moment came at the 2019 Nordic World Ski Championships held between Innsbruck and Seefeld, where he achieved remarkable successes, taking home three gold medals.
Despite his earlier victories, recent seasons have presented challenges. Eisenbichler struggled with knee injuries and other performance issues, leading to his unfortunate absence from the prestigious Four Hills Tournament and, most recently, the World Championship held in Trondheim, Norway. "I missed the team and my form, it was frustrating not being able to compete at the level I hoped to," Eisenbichler remarked, acknowledging his struggles during the last few seasons.
Previously, he was viewed as one of the cornerstones of the team, winning multiple gold medals during his career. He amassed five World Championship gold medals in team events and contributed to Germany's Olympic success with the bronze medal win along with his teammates in Beijing.
Horst Hüttel, the DSV’s sports director, praised Eisenbichler as one of the sport's greats, stating, "Markus has always been the athlete seeking open dialogue and never lost his integrity. That’s why he was so loved by fans and fellow jumpers alike." Eisenbichler's legacy includes not only his achievements but also his character as portrayed by Hüttel.
Following his retirement, Eisenbichler intends to stay involved with the sport, citing potential roles as a coach or mentor. He stated, "I look forward to new challenges and experiences, and finally having time for things I had previously neglected." His initial focus, though, remains completing the remaining competitions with enthusiasm.
The culmination of Eisenbichler's remarkable career will take place at the Planica World Cup, where he aims to end on a high note. "I plan to give my all during the Raw Air Tournament, and I want to enjoy these last moments on the big stage to the fullest," he expressed, showcasing his love for the sport and commitment to finishing strong.
He will be competing at the Raw Air Tournament beginning on March 13, 2025, where he hopes to regain some of his competitive edge before his career closes. Eisenbichler's impact on ski jumping has been significant, inspiring both fans and fellow athletes through his integrity, determination, and sportsmanship.
With the end of his competitive chapter nearing, the ski jumping world awaits to celebrate the contributions of Markus Eisenbichler, who leaves behind not only medals but also rich memories and the respect of his peers and fans alike. His story is one of passion, resilience, and dedication, marking him as one of the legends of ski jumping.