Photography by Marie Schlittke.
Choosing “Madness” as the theme for SLEEK Issue #87 felt fitting to the current period and so did choosing André Schürrle to be on the cover. At Soho House on December 9th, we hosted an intimate talk that showed just how perfectly he captures the spirit of the issue.
The room filled quickly. Guests settled into their seats with palpable anticipation, not the nervous energy of a formal lecture, but the electric curiosity that comes when you’re about to hear someone speak about pushing beyond conventional limits. Christian welcomed the crowd, graciously acknowledged the contributors who made Issue #87 possible, and gave special recognition to those present in the room.
Then, the conversation began. What unfolded over the next hour felt less like an interview and more like a masterclass in living deliberately. Andre, now 35 and a father of two, spoke with the kind of clarity that only comes from serious self-examination. The 2014 World Cup champion, who at just 23 helped Germany defeat Argentina, didn’t shy away from the complexities of his former life.
Photography by Marie Schlittke.
The atmosphere shifted as he described the machinery of professional football: young players as “robots following leaders’ orders and the lack of independence. He spoke with both gratitude and honest reflection about his past and admitted how his career opened doors, especially in his current entrepreneurial chapter.
The tone evolved as the conversation moved from past to present. When Andre discussed DRYLL, his newly launched electrolyte brand, his body language changed entirely.
“The pressure I’m under now is 100% self-inflicted,” he explained. “No external pressure. I decide what to do with my life. I don’t live for the expectations of the press, the fans, or others anymore. The goals I set are 100% my decision.”
The most compelling moment came when Andre wrestled aloud with a question many in the room likely recognized: How do you balance relentless ambition with responsibility as a parent? When does pushing limits become reckless? “I’m not sure whether it’s my ego urging me to quit or the same ego driving me to keep going.” he asked, articulating the razor-thin line between transcendent determination and dangerous obsession. His way of looking at his approaches in extrem sport and life is madness in its most constructive form: the willingness to interrogate your own motivations while continuing to move forward.
Photography by Marie Schlittke.
As Christian guided the Q&A session with his characteristic wit, the formal structure dissolved. Questions from the audience were thoughtful, Andre’s answers genuine. Afterward, guests lingered, not rushing to leave but gathering for photos and conversation and so an extremely interesting and insightful night came to an end.