Karius didn’t cry over winning just another match. A few years ago, his name was synonymous with error. Two mistakes in the 2018 Champions League final against Real Madrid cost Liverpool the title, and he became the butt of jokes around the world.
What few people saw was the depression that followed, the months when he doubted whether he would ever be able to make saves again without his hands trembling, and when he considered retiring.
There was no stroke of luck or quick revenge. Karius rebuilt himself away from the spotlight, match by match, until he earned a place in the Bundesliga.
Today, having become one of Schalke 04’s standout goalkeepers, he was named man of the match against Bayern Munich. Ending Bayern’s 58-match scoring streak.
A clean sheet, recognition in hand, and the taste of revenge he is feeling again after so many years, from that night when the whole world laughed at him.