Werner Opens Up on Career Struggles
The former Germany striker described years of abuse and difficulty after a controversial dive, and his move to San Jose Earthquakes.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Soccer
Timo Werner spoke candidly about difficult periods in his career on the podcast The Late Run. The former RB Leipzig and Chelsea forward, who now plays for San Jose Earthquakes, said he was booed in every stadium after a dive in a 2016 Bundesliga match.
Why it matters
Werner's comments shed light on how a single incident can follow a player for years, affecting fan treatment and confidence. His account also reflects the career path of a striker whose international and club prospects have shifted considerably since his peak.
Chelsea paid €53 million for Werner in 2020, and he has made 57 international appearances, the most recent in March 2023. Since joining San Jose Earthquakes he has scored six goals and provided seven assists in 22 appearances, and Germany have not called him up since June 2023.
The players
Timo Werner
A German striker from Stuttgart who played for RB Leipzig, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur and won the Champions League with Chelsea in his first English season.
San Jose Earthquakes
A Major League Soccer club based in San Jose, California, currently third in the Western Conference and qualified for the MLS play-offs.
The details
Werner said he was targeted after diving in Leipzig's December 2016 match against FC Schalke 04, and that opposing fans sang songs about him in every stadium for years. He also said he missed chances at Chelsea, after which he believed the club had it in for him. He left Chelsea in 2022, returned to RB Leipzig, and moved to San Jose earlier this year on a contract running until summer 2028.
Timeline
December 2016: Werner dived in Leipzig's match against Schalke 04.
2018: Werner started as central striker at the World Cup.
2020: Chelsea signed Werner for €53 million.
2022: Werner left Chelsea and returned to RB Leipzig.
June 2023: Germany last called Werner up.
Season Trajectory
Werner's move to San Jose reflects a pattern of established European forwards taking their careers to Major League Soccer. The San Jose Earthquakes' third-place standing in the Western Conference gives the move a competitive context beyond individual reputation.
San Jose Earthquakes are third in the Western Conference and have qualified for the MLS play-offs, so Werner's contribution will matter for that run. Fantasy managers tracking MLS should note his six goals and seven assists in 22 appearances so far.
The takeaway
Werner's account shows how public incidents can shape a player's experience for years, and how a change of environment can offer a fresh start. Readers following his career can track his progress through San Jose's play-off push.
Further reading
Explore more soccer coverage to follow the careers of players like Werner as they move between European and North American leagues.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Goal.
