René Adler is a former professional footballer known for his role as a goalkeeper in Germany.
He began his professional career at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, where he played from 2002 to 2006.
Adler joined Hamburger SV in 2012, continuing his career in the Bundesliga.
Biography
Early Life
René Adler was born in Germany and began his football journey at a young age, joining the youth team of VfB Leipzig at just six years old. After spending nine years developing his skills there, he transitioned to Bayer 04 Leverkusen's youth system in 2000, where he would eventually rise through the ranks.
Career
Adler's professional career took off when he joined Bayer 04 Leverkusen's B team in 2002. He made his Bundesliga debut on February 25, 2007, in a match against Schalke 04, where he showcased his talent by making ten crucial saves, leading to a stunning 1-0 victory for his team. Over the years, he became known for his remarkable goalkeeping skills, earning praise for his performances, including stopping a penalty kick against Rafael van der Vaart. After a successful stint at Leverkusen, he moved to Hamburger SV in 2012, where he continued to make a significant impact in the Bundesliga.
Adler also had a notable international career, representing Germany at various youth levels before making his senior debut in 2008. He was part of the squad that finished as runners-up in Euro 2008 and was expected to be Germany's first-choice goalkeeper for the 2010 World Cup. However, a serious rib injury sidelined him, and he was out of the national team for two years. Despite this setback, he made a comeback in 2012 and earned a total of 12 caps for the national team until 2013.
Legacy
Throughout his career, Adler was recognized not only for his skills on the pitch but also for his leadership qualities, having captained teams at various levels. His journey from a youth player to a professional goalkeeper serves as an inspiration for aspiring footballers, demonstrating resilience and dedication in the face of challenges.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Gallery
Career & Clubs
VfB Leipzig
Adler started at age six playing for VfB Leipzig's youth side. After nine years for Leipzig, Adler joined the youth system of Bayer 04 Leverkusen in 2000.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
After serving the youth system, Adler joined the B team in 2002. He made eight appearances for the B team in the 2002–03 season. At the beginning of the 2003–04 season he became part of the club's first team, which played in the Bundesliga. Nevertheless, he didn't make an appearance and continued to play for the second team. He also failed to make any first team appearances during the 2004–05 and 2005–06 seasons. However, in the 2005–06 Regionalliga season, he made 19 appearances for the B team. In May 2006 he sustained a rib craze, which led to a surgery in which his rib was strengthened. Because of his injury Adler had to pause until February 2007. He made his Bundesliga debut in dramatic fashion on 25 February 2007 against league leaders Schalke 04. With starting goalkeeper Hans-Jörg Butt serving a suspension following a red card, Adler saved ten shots on goal, repelling Schalke's repeated attacks. A breakaway goal by Stefan Kießling in the 85th minute gave Leverkusen a 1–0 upset victory. Leverkusen manager Michael Skibbe praised Adler's "world-class saves". He stopped Schalke's record of 13 games unbeaten, VfB Stuttgart's record of five games unbeaten and Hamburger SV's four-game winning spree with a saved penalty kick against Rafael van der Vaart. He ended up making 15…
Adler has been a club captain at all levels of competition and at the German Under-19 championships he was one of the star players of the tournament. Adler has made four appearances for the German U-21 team under the leadership of Dieter Eilts. He was part of the German team that finished as runners-up in Euro 2008. After the retirement of Jens Lehmann and death of Robert Enke, he became first choice during the World Cup qualifying. He made his debut for Germany on 11 October 2008 in a World Cup qualifier against Russia. Despite having been confirmed as Germany's main team goalkeeper for the World Cup, a serious rib injury prevented him from travelling to South Africa. He was out of contention for the national team for two years, but was recalled in November 2012 for a friendly against the Netherlands after putting in impressive performances since joining Hamburger SV. However, Adler was not selected for the German squad for World Cup 2014. Between 2008 and 2013 he won 12 caps.
Club
1.^Includes DFB-Pokal. 2.^Includes UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League. 3.^Includes Bundesliga relegation play-offs.
International
- Club
- Germany national under-19 football team (2003–2004)
- Club
- Germany national under-20 football team (2004–2005)
- Club
- Hamburger SV (2012–)
- Club
- Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2002–2006)
- Club
- Germany men's national association football team (2008–2013)
- Club
- Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2006–2012)
- Club
- Germany national under-21 football team (2005–2005)
- Club
- Germany national under-15 football team (2000–2001)
- Club
- Germany national under-17 association football team (2001–2002)
- Club
- Germany national under-18 football team (2002–2003)
- League
- Bundesliga
- National team
- Germany
Personal
The cousin of Adler is Israeli-American professional lacrosse player Max Adler.
Clubs
- Hamburger SV2012current
- Germany national under-15 football team2000–2001
- Germany national under-17 association football team2001–2002
- Bayer 04 Leverkusen2002–2006
- Germany national under-18 football team2002–2003
- Germany national under-19 football team2003–2004
- Germany national under-20 football team2004–2005
- Germany national under-21 football team2005–2005
- Bayer 04 Leverkusen2006–2012
- Germany men's national association football team2008–2013
Played together with
Aaron HuntHamburger SV · 2015
Aaron MokoenaBayer 04 Leverkusen · 1998–1999
Adam HložekBayer 04 Leverkusen · 2022–2024- Adam LedwońBayer 04 Leverkusen · 1998–1999
Adam MatysekBayer 04 Leverkusen · 1998–2001
Admir MehmediBayer 04 Leverkusen · 2015–2018
Adrian FeinHamburger SV · 2019
Aggelos CharisteasBayer 04 Leverkusen · 2009–2009
Ahmed Reda MadouniBayer 04 Leverkusen · 2005–2007- Albert GrønbækHamburger SV · 2026
Albert Sambi LokongaHamburger SV · 2025
Albin EkdalHamburger SV · 2015–2018
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
René Adler is a German former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper, mainly for Bayer Leverkusen and Hamburg.
All links
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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