Gold rush in Tokyo: German players over 75 are crowned world champions!

Gold rush in Tokyo: German players over 75 are crowned world champions!

A significant success for German football took place on October 7, 2025 in Tokyo, where the over-75 senior national team won the gold medal at the Veterans World Cup. In an exciting final, the Germans beat England 3-0, crowning an excellent performance in the competition. The team, which stood out from 25 participating teams from different countries around the world, consisted predominantly of players who come from Lower Saxony, especially from the NFV districts such as Emsland, Jade-Weser-Hunte and other regions.

From October 1st to October 7th, the athletes competed on a special 8-on-8 field that is 68 meters wide and 50 meters long. A special feature of the tournament was the use of junior goals. While the over-70s team did not enjoy the same success - with a 1-1 draw against Australia and four defeats - the over-75s team enjoyed impressive pre-season games, including an international match in which they beat reigning world champions England 2-0. It was above all the impressive team performance that laid the foundation for the later triumph, as NDR reports.

Shared passion and fitness

Among the players was Bernd Troschitz, 75 years old, who represented the German colors together with his teammates Wolfgang Lühr and Mladen Kranjcina. Troschitz stays fit by playing football several times a week and cycling every day to get to the FC Heidetal sports field. For him and his colleagues, taking part in the Senior Football World Cup is not only a sporting adventure, but also the fulfillment of a dream of winning the title. “I plan to travel to Japan and give it my all,” he said full of confidence Tagesschau.

Participation in this tournament is not only a personal highlight for the players, but also shows how much football and the competitive spirit are alive even at an advanced age. The great effort of the preparations, through which the team strengthened their collective spirit, cannot be overestimated.

A call for the future

The Tokyo event was not a FIFA event, but a private initiative that has been bringing together young seniors since 2017 to compete against each other in a sporting competition. This approach has not only connected people from different countries, but also shows that sport has no age limits and that such private competitions shed new light on veteran sports. It is gratifying to see how committed seniors not only follow their passion, but also have the opportunity to make international friends through sport.

The achievements of the older generation are a sign that the joy of playing and the desire for success can remain even in old age. The success of the German Over-75 national team could provide an inspiring message for many others who are also exploring the world of sport, no matter what age they are.