All because of religion: Former Switzerland U-21 player retires at 22

A few years ago, Silvan Wallner was considered one of Switzerland's most promising football talents, but he has decided to end his career at just 22 years old. The reason for his departure from the sport might surprise you.

Details: Wallner has officially announced that he is retiring because he has chosen to fully dedicate himself to his religion.

“I am a practicing Christian and I read the Bible. I make my own decisions about my life.

I want to follow Jesus Christ and the biblical day of rest has become important to me.

For me, as a professional, this means that from now on I don't want to play football on Saturdays for profit".

Wallner's last club was Blau-Weiß Linz, for whom he played five matches in the Austrian Bundesliga.

A product of FC Zürich's youth academy, Wallner became a Swiss champion in the 2021/22 season. He also earned three caps for Switzerland's U-21 national team.

Reminder: Earlier today, it was announced that 19-year-old Real Madrid talent Marc Cucalón has ended his career due to a severe knee injury.