Bastian Schweinsteiger has pulled on his skis and hit the slopes with his good friend from FC Bayern Munich days, Holger Badstuber. The two former football stars, who were part of Bayern's success from 2009 to 2015, enjoyed quality time together recently on the ski slopes, showcasing their lasting friendship.
During their impressive careers at Bayern Munich, both Schweinsteiger and Badstuber became not just teammates but close friends, sharing countless victories and memorable moments. On the slopes of some undisclosed location, they made new memories, reflective of their past camaraderie.
Schweinsteiger, now 40 years old, referred to Badstuber, who is 35, as his best friend during their time together. This relationship continues to flourish beyond their playing days, as they frequently meet and share their adventures with fans via social media. Recently, Badstuber took to Instagram to post two photos from their ski outing. The first image featured Badstuber alone, wrapped up warmly against the winter chill. The second shot, taken by Schweinsteiger, was a selfie of the pair clad in ski helmets and goggles, making them nearly unrecognizable on the picturesque slopes.
Badstuber captioned the images simply as, "On the slopes," giving fans just enough to be intrigued about where the ex-footballers opted to spend their day away from the pitch.
Fans were quick to express their excitement over the pictures, particularly enjoying the enduring friendship the two have maintained since their football careers. One supporter commented, "It’s just soooo beautiful to see you two still keep in touch!" showcasing the nostalgia and happiness surrounding their bond.
For Badstuber, this ski trip is part of embracing life after football. A successful defender, he faced numerous injuries throughout his career, limiting his playing time but still achieving significant success at Bayern Munich, Schalke 04, VfB Stuttgart, and FC Luzern. He officially retired from professional football in September 2022 and has since been seeking new challenges beyond the pitch.
Speaking recently to Sport1, Badstuber reflected on his new chapter. "It’s important for me to enjoy the free time I never really had before. I’ve been able to travel and be spontaneous. I obtained my B+ license last year, and this year I also completed a UEFA course. My focus is on learning and engaging with activities outside of football," he said.
The mention of pursuing new interests only adds to the narrative of how both stars are adapting to their post-football lives, with Badstuber exploring opportunities and Schweinsteiger embracing sports-related activities.
Interestingly, many fans might have been unaware of the two former national team players skiing together, blending seamlessly with the winter sports scene as they enjoyed time on the slopes. It’s heartwarming to see figures who once carried the hopes of millions on the football field now taking on new adventures, reminding fans of the humanity behind the athletes they once idolized.
Both Schweinsteiger and Badstuber are taking full advantage of their new freedom, sharing glimpses of both their continuing friendship and their adjustment to life after competitive sports. It’s more than just skiing for them – it’s about staying connected and enjoying the fresher, simpler things life offers outside the pressures of professional football.
And so, as the snow fell quietly around them, former champions reveled not just in the thrill of the slopes, but also the comfort of lasting friendships. For Schweinsteiger and Badstuber, it’s clear their relationship transcends the pitch, rooted deeply from their Bayern days and blossoming through shared experiences like this ski getaway.
The uplifting images and stories from this ski trip serve as yet another reminder of the strong bonds formed during their time together at FC Bayern and the joy they continue to find in each other’s company.