Wolfsburg Retires Number 19 Shirt in Honour of Late Junior Malanda
German club VfL Wolfsburg has officially retired the number 19 jersey in memory of Junior Malanda, the young Belgian midfielder who tragically lost his life in a car accident earlier this year. The decision was made by the club’s management as a lasting tribute to the promising talent, whose sudden passing sent shockwaves through the football community in Germany and beyond.
Malanda, just 20 years old, died in January when the vehicle he was travelling in lost control on a rain-soaked motorway while en route to Hannover Airport. The car, reportedly speeding in poor weather conditions, crashed with devastating consequences. Malanda, a passenger in the back seat, was the only fatality, while two others were seriously injured.
The team had been scheduled to fly from Hannover to South Africa for a mid-season training camp at the time of the accident.
The decision to retire his shirt number ensures that Malanda’s contribution and memory will forever remain part of the club’s identity. In a statement, Wolfsburg described the gesture as a way to honour “not only a talented player, but a much-loved teammate and friend.”
During his brief career at Wolfsburg, Malanda was widely regarded as a rising star, praised for his energy, maturity on the pitch, and professionalism beyond his years. His death sparked a nationwide outpouring of grief, with tributes pouring in from fellow players, fans, and clubs across Europe.
The number 19 will now stand as a symbol of remembrance for a player whose potential was tragically cut short.
