Germany and RB Leipzig defender Benjamin Henrichs is taking a cautious approach to his comeback from a devastating Achilles rupture suffered against Bayern Munich in December. The 28-year-old had never experienced a major injury in his career until he heard a “big bang, a massive noise” in his calf during the match at Munich’s Allianz Arena.
Henrichs fell to the turf and was carried off, unlikely to play again for the best part of a year. However, the former Bayer Leverkusen and Monaco player is focused on setting small, achievable goals for himself during the rehabilitation process.
“Especially through the rehab, one of the most important things is to set goals. Not goals like the World Cup — this is the major goal, long-term — but you have to set small goals,” Henrichs said in an interview with AFP and other media.
“A small goal was starting the rehab. Then the goal was to get rid of the boot. My next goal is to get rid of the crutches. You have to set yourself these kind of goals, because — especially in the first three months — you’re not living a normal life.”
Henrichs has been inspired by other athletes who have suffered the same injury, including the late Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant. He has also reached out to several contemporaries, including Atletico Madrid’s Axel Witsel and France and Paris Saint-Germain’s Presnel Kimpembe.
“I spoke to Witsel and to Kimpembe, asking what happened, what I should look for. When Martin Terrier from Leverkusen ruptured his Achilles, I got goosebumps directly. It was even harder to watch than my own injury. But I texted him directly, we update each other, compare our scars — we’re kind of Achilles besties now.”
During his recovery, Henrichs has been working on a documentary and spending rare time with friends and family. “Last month was my birthday. It was the first birthday in years that I spent with my family. I was able to spend the birthday not with football, but with my friends, with my family.”
Henrichs is determined to take his recovery one step at a time, with the 2026 World Cup in North America on the horizon. “Obviously, the long-term goal is to be back on the pitch — and especially to be a part of the World Cup team.”
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