René Adler

{{Infobox football biography

| name = René Adler

| image = René Adler 2022 (cropped).jpg

| caption = Adler in 2022

| fullname =

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|1|15|df=y}}

| birth_place = Leipzig, East Germany

| height = 1.91 m

| position = Goalkeeper

| currentclub =

| clubnumber =

| youthyears1 = 1991–2000

| youthclubs1 = VfB Leipzig

| youthyears2 = 2000–2003

| youthclubs2 = Bayer Leverkusen

| years1 = 2002–2006

| clubs1 = Bayer Leverkusen II

| caps1 = 30

| goals1 = 0

| years2 = 2006–2012

| clubs2 = Bayer Leverkusen

| caps2 = 138

| goals2 = 0

| years3 = 2012–2017

| clubs3 = Hamburger SV

| caps3 = 117

| goals3 = 0

| years4 = 2017–2019

| clubs4 = Mainz 05

| caps4 = 14

| goals4 = 0

| totalcaps = 299

| totalgoals = 0

| nationalyears1 = 2000–2001

| nationalteam1 = Germany U15

| nationalcaps1 = 7

| nationalgoals1 = 0

| nationalyears2 = 2001–2002

| nationalteam2 = Germany U17

| nationalcaps2 = 15

| nationalgoals2 = 0

| nationalyears3 = 2002–2003

| nationalteam3 = Germany U18

| nationalcaps3 = 6

| nationalgoals3 = 0

| nationalyears4 = 2003–2004

| nationalteam4 = Germany U19

| nationalcaps4 = 9

| nationalgoals4 = 0

| nationalyears5 = 2004–2005

| nationalteam5 = Germany U20

| nationalcaps5 = 8

| nationalgoals5 = 0

| nationalyears6 = 2005

| nationalteam6 = Germany U21

| nationalcaps6 = 4

| nationalgoals6 = 0

| nationalyears7 = 2008–2013

| nationalteam7 = Germany

| nationalcaps7 = 12

| nationalgoals7 = 0

}}

René Adler (born 15 January 1985) is a German former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper, mainly for Bayer Leverkusen and Hamburg.{{cite web | url = https://www.kicker.de/unterschrift-gesetzt_adler-ist-mainzer-700179/artikel | title = Unterschrift gesetzt: Adler ist Mainzer | language = de | website = Kicker | date = 22 June 2017 | access-date = 1 July 2017}}

Early life

Adler is the son of former East German international Jens Adler.{{cite web | url = http://www.abendblatt.de/hamburg/article122923650/Rene-Adler-ist-der-geerdete-Fussball-Star.html | title = Rene Adler ist der geerdete Fußball-Star | language = de | publisher = Hamburger Abendblatt | date = 14 December 2013 | access-date = 7 April 2015}} His cousin is Israeli-American professional lacrosse player Max Adler.{{Cite web |title=Max Adler |url=https://www.bentleyfalcons.com/sports/mlax/2016-17/bios/adler_max_9ws2 |access-date=2022-09-19 |website=Bentley |language=en}}

Club career

=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.{{cite web|title=René Adler " Club matches|url=http://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/rene-adler/2/|publisher=World Football|access-date=3 June 2016}} At the beginning of the 2003–04 season he became part of the club's first team, which played in the Bundesliga.{{cite web|title=René Adler|url=http://www.fussballdaten.de/spieler/adlerrene/2004/|publisher=Fussballdaten.de|access-date=3 June 2016|language=de}} 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{{cite web|title=René Adler|publisher=Fussballdaten.de|url=http://www.fussballdaten.de/spieler/adlerrene/2005/|access-date=3 June 2016|language=de}} and 2005–06{{cite web|title=René Adler|url=http://www.fussballdaten.de/spieler/adlerrene/2006/|publisher=Fussballdaten.de|access-date=3 June 2016|language=de}} 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.{{cite web|title=Tactical Formation|work=Football-Lineups.com | url = http://www.football-lineups.com/wiki/_match4241.php | access-date=2 March 2007 }} 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".{{cite web | url = http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/news/kind=2/newsid=510533.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070429175926/http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/news/kind=2/newsid=510533.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = 29 April 2007 | title = Agile Adler addles Schalke | access-date =1 December 2007 | date = 26 February 2007 | author=Steffen Potter | publisher=UEFA}} 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 appearances in all competitions for the first team and two appearances for the B team. On 8 March 2008 Adler made his first international appearance, losing the UEFA Cup round of last 16 first leg against RC Lens. He finished the 2007–08 season with 44 appearances in all competitions for the first team.{{cite web|title=René Adler|url=http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/vereine/2007-08/28398/vereinsspieler_rene-adler.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090827021918/http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/vereine/2007-08/28398/vereinsspieler_rene-adler.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 August 2009|website=Kicker|publisher=kicker|access-date=3 June 2016|language=de}}

file:René Adler.jpg in 2007]]

In the following years, Adler continued to be the first-choice goalkeeper until newly signed Bernd Leno took his place due to injuries. He had made 37 appearances in the 2008–09 season,{{cite web|title=René Adler|url=http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/vereine/2008-09/28398/vereinsspieler_rene-adler.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090826074748/http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/vereine/2008-09/28398/vereinsspieler_rene-adler.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 August 2009|website=Kicker|publisher=kicker|access-date=3 June 2016|language=de}} 33 appearances in 2009–10 season,{{cite web|title=René Adler|url=http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/vereine/2009-10/28398/vereinsspieler_rene-adler.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090826233256/http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/vereine/2009-10/28398/vereinsspieler_rene-adler.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 August 2009|website=Kicker|publisher=kicker|access-date=3 June 2016|language=de}} and 44 appearances in the 2010–11 season.{{cite web|title=René Adler|url=http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/vereine/2010-11/28398/vereinsspieler_rene-adler.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707202142/http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/vereine/2010-11/28398/vereinsspieler_rene-adler.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 July 2011|website=Kicker|publisher=kicker|access-date=3 June 2016|language=de}} Previously, Leverkusen wanted to renew his contract but Adler rejected those offers. In summer 2012, Adler left the club for a free transfer after twelve years with Leverkusen. He had only made 2 B team appearances during the 2011–12 season.{{cite web|title=René Adler|url=http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/vereine/2011-12/28398/vereinsspieler_rene-adler.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120828162407/http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/vereine/2011-12/28398/vereinsspieler_rene-adler.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 August 2012|website=Kicker|publisher=kicker|access-date=3 June 2016|language=de}}

=Hamburger SV=

Adler signed a five-year contract at Bundesliga rivals Hamburger SV in 2012. He debuted in a 4–2 loss to Karlsruher SC in the German Cup.{{cite news|title=Alibaz macht's mit Gefühl, Stoll mit Wucht|url=https://www.kicker.de/karlsruhe-gegen-hsv-2012-dfb-pokal-1440307/spielbericht|access-date=3 June 2016|publisher=kicker|date=19 August 2012|language=de}} He finished the 2012–13 season with 33 appearances.{{cite web|title=René Adler|url=http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/vereine/2012-13/28398/vereinsspieler_rene-adler.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830163302/http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/vereine/2012-13/28398/vereinsspieler_rene-adler.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 August 2012|website=Kicker|publisher=kicker|access-date=3 June 2016|language=de}} He finished the 2013–14 season with 33 appearances.{{cite web|title=René Adler|url=http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/vereine/2013-14/28398/vereinsspieler_rene-adler.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812091151/http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/vereine/2013-14/28398/vereinsspieler_rene-adler.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 August 2014|website=Kicker|publisher=kicker|access-date=3 June 2016|language=de}} He finished the 2014–15 season with 15 appearances.{{cite web|title=René Adler|url=http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/vereine/2014-15/28398/vereinsspieler_rene-adler.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140923073716/http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/vereine/2014-15/28398/vereinsspieler_rene-adler.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 September 2014|website=Kicker|publisher=kicker|access-date=3 June 2016|language=de}} He finished the 2015–16 season with 25 appearances.{{cite web|title=René Adler|url=http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/vereine/2015-16/28398/vereinsspieler_rene-adler.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428015626/http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/vereine/2015-16/28398/vereinsspieler_rene-adler.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 April 2016|website=Kicker|publisher=kicker|access-date=3 June 2016|language=de}}

In May 2017, Adler announced that he would not extend his contract with Hamburger SV and leave the club after five years.{{cite web |url=https://www.kicker.de/renc3a9-adler-verlaesst-den-hamburger-sv-678639/artikel |title=René Adler verlässt den Hamburger SV |language=de |date=22 May 2017 |access-date=22 May 2017}}

=Mainz 05=

In July 2017, Adler joined 1. FSV Mainz 05.{{cite web | url = http://www.mainz05.de/mainz05/profis/news-profis/news-profis-detail/article/mainz-05-verpflichtet-rene-adler.html | title = Mainz 05 verpflichtet René Adler | language = de | website = 1. FSV Mainz 05 | date = 22 June 2017 | access-date = 1 July 2017}}

=Retirement=

On 1 May 2019, he announced his retirement following the 2018–19 season.{{cite web|title=René Adler beendet seine Karriere|url=https://www.dfb.de/news/detail/rene-adler-beendet-seine-karriere-201849/|website=dfb.de|date = 1 May 2019 | access-date=1 May 2019|language=de}} Overall he appeared in 269 German top-flight matches.{{Cite web | url = https://www.rsssf.org/players/radlerdata.html | title = René Adler - Matches in Bundesliga | first = Matthias | last = Arnhold | date = 19 September 2019 | access-date = 1 October 2019 | publisher = RSSSF.com}}

International career

File:René Adler, Germany national football team (01).jpg in 2011]]

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.{{cite news|title=Adler eyes qualifying success|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1037236.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090319015426/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1037236.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 March 2009|publisher=FIFA|date=12 March 2009}} 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.{{Cite web | url = https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/radler-intl.html | title = René Adler - International Appearances | first = Matthias | last = Arnhold | date = 19 September 2019 | access-date = 1 October 2019 | publisher = RSSSF.com}}

Career statistics

=Club=

rowspan="2"\|Club	rowspan="2"\|Season	colspan="3"\|League	colspan="2"\|Cup{{ref\|a\|1}}	colspan="2"\|Continental{{ref\|a\|2}}	colspan="2"\|Other{{ref\|a\|3}}	colspan="2"\|Total	rowspan="2"\|{{Tooltip\|Ref.\|Reference}}
class="wikitable" Style="text-align: center"
League	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
rowspan="5"\|Bayer Leverkusen II	2002–03	rowspan="3"\|Regionalliga Nord	8	0	rowspan="4" colspan="6"\|—	8	0
2005–06	19	0	19	0
2006–07	1	0	1	0
2011–12	Regionalliga West	2	0	2	0
colspan="2"\|Totals	30	0	colspan="6"\|—	30	0	—
rowspan="10"\|Bayer Leverkusen	2003–04	rowspan="9"\|Bundesliga	0	0	0	0	colspan="2"\|—	rowspan="9" colspan="2"\|—	0	0
2004–05	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2005–06	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2006–07	11	0	0	0	4	0	15	0
2007–08	33	0	1	0	10	0	44	0
2008–09	31	0	6	0	rowspan="2" colspan="2"\|—	37	0
2009–10	31	0	2	0	33	0
2010–11	32	0	2	0	10	0	44	0
2011–12	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
colspan="2"\|Totals	138	0	11	0	24	0	colspan="2"\|—	173	0	—
rowspan="6"\|Hamburg	2012–13	rowspan="5"\|Bundesliga	32	0	1	0	rowspan="5" colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	33	0
2013–14	30	0	3	0	0	0	33	0
2014–15	12	0	1	0	2	0	15	0
2015–16	24	0	1	0	rowspan="2" colspan="2"\|—	25	0
2016–17	19	0	1	0	20	0	{{cite web \| url = http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/vereine/2016-17/28398/vereinsspieler_rene-adler.html \| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170814005835/http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/vereine/2016-17/28398/vereinsspieler_rene-adler.html \| url-status = dead \| archive-date = 14 August 2017 \| title = René Adler \| language = de \| website = Kicker \| access-date = 1 July 2017}}
colspan="2"\|Totals	117	0	7	0	colspan="2"\|—	2	0	126	0	—
rowspan="3"\|Mainz 05	2017–18	rowspan="2"\|Bundesliga	14	0	3	0	rowspan="1" colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	17	0	{{cite web \| url = https://www.kicker.de/rene-adler/spieler/bundesliga/2017-18/1-fsv-mainz-05 \| title = René Adler \| language = de \| website = Kicker \| access-date = 1 July 2017}}
2018–19	0	0	0	0	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	0	0	—
colspan="2"\|Totals	14	0	3	0	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	17	0	—
colspan="3"\|Career totals	299	0	21	0	24	0	2	0	346	0	—

1.{{note|a}}Includes DFB-Pokal.
2.{{note|a}}Includes UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.
3.{{note|a}}Includes Bundesliga relegation play-offs.

=International=

Year	Apps	Goals
class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" ! colspan=3 \| Germany
2008	3	0
2009	5	0
2010	2	0
2013	2	0
Total\|\|12\|\|0

Honours

Individual

Best Bundesliga Goalkeeper: 2008{{cite web | url = http://bleacherreport.com/articles/250412-rising-stars-of-german-football-goalkeepers | title = Rising Stars of German Football: Goalkeepers | publisher = Bleacher Report | date = 8 September 2009 | access-date = 23 May 2017}}