With Peter Neururer's help: After choosing the wrong club: Lucien Littbarski fights for his future

With Peter Neururer's help After wrong club choice: Lucien Littbarski fights for his future 29.07.2025, 08:33

The German Footballers' Union (VDV) is once again organizing a training camp for clubless players. World Cup winner Lucien Littbarski's son wants to take advantage of this opportunity. His prospects aren't bad, as the union says the success rate for placements is "80 percent."

Pierre Littbarski is watching closely – and he's pleased with his son Lucien's development. "He doesn't want to be handed anything. He wants to work his way up from the bottom. That's the right attitude," praised the 1990 World Cup winner. But Lucien's career has stalled: After stints at VfL Wolfsburg, SpVgg Greuther Fürth, and most recently Viktoria Berlin, the 22-year-old is fighting for his future at the VDV training camp for unemployed players.

The Japanese-born Littbarski junior has a clear view of things. "I don't think anyone is truly happy to be here," admitted the attacking midfielder. But hope is high for him and not the only one. The placement success rate is "80 percent," as VDV Managing Director Ulf Baranowsky explained.

Prominent names in the camp

Littbarski and his team are preparing for the big day under professional conditions, training and playing friendly matches. Coach Peter Neururer is welcoming some prominent names this summer. Kim Sané, brother of German international Leroy, and Kingsley Sarpei, nephew of former Bundesliga pro Hans, are also at the Hennef Sports School. They all share the same goal.

"I think he's in very good hands there," Pierre Littbarski told the sports information service about his son, and he also has some advice for him and the other players: "It's important that you give it your all every day, with a good attitude. Just like Kimmich." Lucien Littbarski takes his famous father's words to heart. They exchange regular phone calls. "Of course, Dad is also interested in what's going on at the VDV," he said on the sidelines of the training ground. He recently turned down an offer from abroad: "Lucien wants to establish himself in Germany. Little by little," said his father.

"Chose the wrong club"

Coach Neururer believes he can do it. Lucien is "a great footballer who unfortunately chose the wrong club last year." He has the potential "to play at least in the second division," Neururer said, adding: "If someone is looking for that position, I can only recommend little Litti." In any case, he doesn't want to see him at the VDV camp next year.

That's Littbarski's goal, too. Ultimately, he would "love to be back at a club with guys who aren't just there for a few weeks, but for a whole season." He's "ready" for that. And if not? "We have to make other options for those who don't make it," Neururer said. Career counseling is available to the players. The topics of retirement planning and insurance are addressed. But the ultimate goal remains a return to a club—whether they bear the famous name Littbarski or not.