Since hanging up his boots last May, Sebastian Rode has embraced life away from professional football with enthusiasm and optimism. The former Eintracht Frankfurt captain, who played for the club over the course of 16 years, bid farewell to his illustrious career after 278 matches, culminating with memories of triumphs and challenges, including his time as the captain of the Europa League-winning team.
Now, at 34 years old, he enjoys his new role as an avid fan, often seen frequenting the Waldstadion where he once played. "It was always great being a professional footballer," he reflected during his recent appearance on hr-heimspiel! on Monday. "Of course, I miss walking onto the pitch and the camaraderie shared with teammates in the locker room, but I am incredibly at peace with my decision to retire." Rode's retirement doesn't seem to weigh heavily on his spirit; rather, he finds joy in the freedom and new adventures life offers.
After stepping back from the pitch, Rode embarked on fulfilling family dreams, starting with a long-planned trip to New Zealand, which also included layovers in Singapore and Australia. He enthusiastically shares plans for his upcoming summer trip to Brazil, highlighting his commitment to creating memorable experiences with his wife and their two children, ages two and five.
Rode seeks to maintain the thrill of sports by engaging actively. Whether skiing down mountains—"there's less to break these days," he jokes—or mountain biking through the Odenwald, he remains physically active. Socially, he rekindles friendships with former teammates, participating in Padel matches with players like Alex Meier and Ervin Skela.
Despite his active lifestyle, the effects of past injuries linger. "My knee still acts up, especially when I try to play football," he admits, indicating the physical toll of his previous profession. Currently, Rode hasn't settled on any specific post-football career path. Having obtained his coaching license and recently completing a sports management degree, he recognizes the plethora of possibilities available but hasn't made any definitive choices yet.
Rode has set himself two years as a timeframe to explore his options. "I’m keeping my eyes open, but I haven't firmly decided on anything just yet," he explained, acknowledging the doors at Eintracht Frankfurt remain wide open for his return. His connection with the club and former teammates like Timothy Chandler, Mario Götze, and Kevin Trapp remains strong post-retirement.
When discussing the current Eintracht Frankfurt team, Rode remains upbeat, asserting, "I truly believe they'll qualify for the Champions League." He expressed enthusiasm about the team's potential to succeed, reflecting his enduring passion as he watches from the sidelines.
While he missed attending their match with Bayern Munich recently—having important family commitments at home—he keeps involved through media and maintains hope for continued success for his beloved team.
Indeed, Rode's life post-football appears bright and full of possibilities. He continues to embrace the joys of family, stays active, and nurtures his passion for the sport he loves from the stands rather than the pitch.