Jena, May 22, 2026. Midfielder Justin Schau from FC Carl Zeiss Jena will unexpectedly end his career in competitive football this summer at the age of only 27. The Jena homegrown talent cites persistent physical problems and health precautions for the time after professional sports as the reason.
- Who: Justin Schau (27), midfielder for FC Carl Zeiss Jena
- Event: Career end in the summer after the 2025/26 season
- Reason: Health reasons and signals from the body after several serious injuries
- Last game: Landespokal final against ZFC Meuselwitz (221st competitive match for Jena)
Unexpected turn after contract extension
The decision comes unexpectedly: only in December had the midfielder extended his contract, which was due to expire in the summer, long-term until 2028. Now follows the reversal. Schau was part of the first-team squad for a total of nine years and previously went through the youth academy of the traditional Thuringian club from 2005 to 2012.
„My body sent me clear signals“
Schau justified his step with the high physical demands of competitive sports: “My body sent me clear signals that I can no longer play football with the intensity that defines my game and that I must stop competitive football – especially since there is still a life after professional sports that I have to think about and which I am also looking forward to.”
In the recent past, the 27-year-old had repeatedly struggled with injuries. In the 2024/25 season, he was out for months after two metatarsal fractures. Only in March 2026 did he also suffer a lateral meniscus tear, but returned to the pitch for the last three games of the season.
Regret at FC Carl Zeiss Jena
There is consternation at FCC following the announcement. Sporting Director Miroslav Jovic emphasized that the club had firmly planned with the player: “We would have very much liked to see Schaui continue in the FCC jersey and had also planned with him for the new season.”
Schau will play his 221st and final competitive match for the Saalestädter in the upcoming Landespokal final against ZFC Meuselwitz to officially bid farewell to the fans.
Background: A defining figure of FCC
Justin Schau is considered a prime example of successful youth work at the Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld. The stadium, idyllically located in the Jenaer Paradiespark directly on the Saale, was the midfielder’s sporting home for almost two decades. With over 220 appearances in the blue-yellow-white jersey, Schau is one of the club’s most loyal players in recent Regionalliga history.
Source:
Regionalliga: Jena-Eigengewächs Justin Schau verkündet Karrierende mit 27
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.