Article by Alexandru Stanciu – Published on Sunday, 04 January 2026, 11:38 / Updated on Sunday, 04 January 2026 11:38
At the age of 35, Kevin Kampl decided to end his football career, a decision stemming from a deep personal tragedy.
The loss of his brother Seki, who died last October aged 51, was a deciding factor for the Slovenian midfielder. The deep mourning led him to “hang up his boots” to devote himself to his family.
Kevin Kampl has decided to retire from football, affected by the death of his brother
Kampl has already communicated his decision to the management of the Leipzig club, and the game against Freiburg, scheduled for January 17, will mark his last appearance on the pitch.
After his brother's death, Kampl posted an emotional message on social media, writing, among other things: “My heart is with you, your heart will always be with me… Thank you for showing us what really matters in life… Gratitude, faith, sincerity and love!”
All of this you lived and taught like no other, and for that I will be eternally grateful. Rest in peace my big brother. We will miss you, even if you will always be with us. With eternal love… Your little brother”.
Kevin Kampl was brought up in Bayer Leverkusen's academy, and then played for Furth, Osnabruck, Aalen and Borussia Dortmund before returning to Leverkusen in 2015. After two seasons with the “pharmacists”, Kampl arrived in Leipzig.
Speaking to Leipzig's official website, Kampl thanked the club for their support and spoke about his years at the team.
I will carry in my heart forever the eight and a half years I spent in Leipzig. From day one, I was welcomed here with incredible warmth. Together we wrote history, we won the club's first trophies. I am incredibly grateful to the club, the coaches, the staff, my colleagues and the fans. I'm sad that this journey is coming to an end, but I'm even more proud of everything we've accomplished together.
– Kevin Kampl
In conclusion, the Slovenian footballer clarified his priorities: “Now I will focus on my family at home, as I have done for the last few months. I do not completely rule out returning to the pitch one day, although at the moment this seems absolutely unrealistic, as I have dedicated myself to spending time with the people who are closest to me.”
