Loris Karius Opens Up About Threats and Police Protection After Champions League Blunders

In 2018, Loris Karius faced one of the darkest moments of his career during the Champions League final, where two critical mistakes contributed significantly to Liverpool's 1-3 defeat against Real Madrid.

Following the match, it was revealed that a blow from Sergio Ramos had led to a concussion for Karius. Despite this revelation, he became the target of intense criticism.

"I had police protection at my house for a few days. I didn’t read the threats, but there were death threats against me and my family, which the police took so seriously that they stood guard 24 hours a day."

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The aftermath of the final was challenging for Karius both on and off the pitch. He was loaned from Liverpool to Beşiktaş Istanbul, where he played from 2018 to 2020. However, his struggles continued. "I struggled and often couldn’t bring out my best performance," he admitted, noting that at times, he lost his passion for football.

Karius' Fresh Start at FC Schalke 04

After stints at Union Berlin and Newcastle United, where he also faced difficulties, Karius found himself without a club for several months. His comeback began in January 2025 when he signed with FC Schalke 04.

After a brief adjustment period, Karius established himself as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, playing a pivotal role in Schalke's promotion back to the Bundesliga in 2026. Last season, at the age of 33, he was among the top goalkeepers in the second division.

Reflecting on his journey, Karius acknowledges how his past experiences have shaped him. Despite the painful memories associated with the Champions League final, he now views that period as a vital part of his growth: "Everything that happened is also a part of me."