"It's incredible" - Soccer star Hildebrand dives into Football

Former VfB Stuttgart goalkeeper and Bundesliga champion Timo Hildebrand swapped the soccer pitch for the football field - at least for a day - as he joined the European League of Football to talk about the sport, its growth in Europe, and the upcoming ELF Championship Game on September 7 at Stuttgart’s MHP Arena.

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"I really like the strategic side of football"

After spending time with ELF athletes, Hildebrand was impressed by their fitness, dedication, and the complexity of the game. "They’re top fit, of course, very different than me," Hildebrand joked, adding: "It’s incredible how individual and specific every player’s training is. I really like the strategic side of football, the study of plays, and the entire tactical approach. It’s a fascinating sport to watch."

Hildebrand shared that his interest in American football has grown over the years. He has attended NFL games in London and keeps an eye on the ELF, particularly the Stuttgart Surge. "All the Surge games - I watch them for sure," he said with a smile.

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"You don’t always need to be the best team, but..."

Reflecting on his own career, Hildebrand highlighted the importance of team unity for achieving big goals, advice that easily translates to the Surge as they aim for the ELF Championship Game. "At the end of the day, it’s always about team spirit. Without it, you won’t reach a final. That was also the key for us in 2007 when we won the German championship with VfB Stuttgart. You don’t always need to be the best team, but with the right emotions and heart, you can achieve great things."

"The VfB is my passion, my heart"

For Hildebrand, Stuttgart is more than just a city - it’s home. "The VfB is my passion, my heart," he said, explaining his close connection to the city. Hosting the ELF Championship Game at the MHP Arena makes the event even more special for him: "It’s great to see that this stadium will become the center of European football on September 7. Hopefully, we’ll see the Surge in the final - that would be amazing."

Watch the full interview here!

Shoutout for DIE FANTASTISCHEN VIER

The ELF Championship Game promises to be one of the biggest sporting events of the year in Stuttgart. Along with the battle for the title, fans can look forward to a spectacular halftime show featuring Stuttgart’s own hip-hop legends, DIE FANTASTISCHEN VIER. "I go to their concerts every year - they still bring down the house," Hildebrand said. "It’s amazing that they’ll be performing at halftime."

As the ELF enters the final stretch of the regular season, Hildebrand’s words are a reminder of what it takes to reach the top: unity, passion, and a winning mindset. And on September 7, Stuttgart will once again be the stage for champions – this time in American football.

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