Benedikt Höwedes named S04 honorary captain

Höwedes, who was born in Haltern just north of Gelsenkirchen, wore the captain’s armband at S04 for six years. After arriving at the Knappenschmiede from SG Herten-Langenbochum in 2001 as a 13-year-old, “Bene” quickly shone as one his age group’s star talents. In 2006, he helped the Schalke U19s win the German U19 Championship, before he was given his first taste of first-team action by Mirko Slomka in 2007. His Bundesliga debut came against Karlsruher SC on 6th October, although he had already made his maiden professional appearance three days earlier in the Champions League. Alongside Marcelo Bordon & Co., Höwedes soon became a mainstay in the Schalke defence.

It wasn’t long before the DFB noticed his talent. Höwedes was a regular in the Germany U21s side when they lifted the European Championship trophy in 2009. Two years later came his senior debut in a meeting with Uruguay, just days after he had won the DFB-Pokal with S04. Höwedes even got on the scoresheet in that 5-0 win over MSV Duisburg. It wasn’t the only highlight of that 2010/11 season, with the Royal Blues turning heads internationally with a stunning run to the Champions League semi-finals.

Schalke 04's record player in Europe

The Schalke academy product was handed the captain’s armband in the following campaign, which he wore for six years until his departure – the longest period for any S04 captain in the Bundesliga era. In ten years at professional level in Gelsenkirchen, Höwedes played 240 Bundesliga games (12 goals) and 27 DFB-Pokal ties (5 goals), as well as 66 European matches (6 goals), making him the player with the most international experience in the club’s history.

Another personal highlight came in Brazil in 2014, when Germany beat Argentina in the World Cup final to win a fourth title. The Schalke captain was the only DFB-Team outfield player to feature in every minute of the tournament.

Three years later, S04 and Höwedes parted ways. He first made a loan move to Juventus, where we won the Italian league and cup double, before joining Lokomotiv Moscow on a permanent deal one year later. On 8th June 2020, at 32 years old, Bene called time on his playing career. The father of three has continued to work in football, both as a team coordinator with the DFB and as a pundit on TV.

Standing ovation from the S04 members

The Schalke members gave him a standing ovation as he took to the stage at the AGM: “It’s a privilege to see my name in this list. This accolade is an honour for anyone whose heart beats for Schalke 04. Without you, the fans, I wouldn’t have become the player I am today. I share this honour with you all wholeheartedly. Let’s take this club back to where it belongs – the Bundesliga!”