The 2025/26 season represents a remarkable chapter for 1. FC Heidenheim, as the small club from Swabia begins its third consecutive Bundesliga campaign – a feat unimaginable just five years ago. The Voith-Arena, perched on a hill overlooking the town of Heidenheim an der Brenz, has become one of the Bundesliga’s most unlikely fortresses, its intimate 15,000 capacity and passionate local support creating an atmosphere that consistently unsettles Germany’s giants. Frank Schmidt, the longest-serving manager in German football (entering his 19th season), continues to defy every financial and statistical model, keeping the FCH competitive through tactical intelligence, organisational discipline, and an unbreakable team spirit. The summer transfer window saw the departure of key figures like Jan-Niklas Beste, but the club’s recruitment model continues to unearth undervalued gems from lower divisions and foreign markets. Below lies an exhaustive examination of Heidenheim’s first-team roster for 2025/26, organised by position, with each player’s journey, financial details, and stylistic fingerprints dissected thoroughly.
Goalkeepers
1. Kevin Müller
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: FSV Mainz 05, 1. FC Heidenheim
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2015)
Kevin Müller has become Heidenheim’s longest-serving current player and undisputed number one, the German shot-stopper providing reflexes, command, and leadership across a decade at the club. The 34-year-old’s shot-stopping (75% save percentage in 2024/25, 74% in 2025/26 to date) and command of the penalty area (87% cross-claiming success) have been instrumental in Heidenheim’s successive survival campaigns. Müller’s distribution (86% pass completion) remains functional. Having started 30 league matches in 2025/26, keeping 10 clean sheets, he has proven remarkably durable. Müller’s contract runs through 2028, with a coaching role likely thereafter. Müller’s performance against Bayern Munich in November 2025—making 9 saves, including a penalty stop—demonstrated his enduring quality.
2. Vitus Eicher
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: FC Bayern Munich academy, 1. FC Heidenheim
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
Vitus Eicher has accepted a rotational role behind Müller, providing German backup depth, cup competition cover, and long-term succession planning. The 27-year-old’s shot-stopping (72% save percentage in limited appearances) and distribution (86% pass completion) provide functional cover. Eicher started 8 matches in 2025/26 (cup competitions and Müller’s rest), keeping 3 clean sheets. Eicher’s contract runs through 2028.
3. Felix Gebhard
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: 1. FC Heidenheim academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Felix Gebhard has served as emergency third-choice option following development with Heidenheim’s youth setup. The 21-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Defenders
1. Patrick Mainka (Captain)
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: 1. FC Heidenheim academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Patrick Mainka has become Heidenheim’s captain and defensive leader, the German centre-back providing aerial dominance, physicality, and organisational communication across a decade at the club. The 31-year-old’s reading of the game—intercepting passes (2.4 per 90), cutting angles, covering for advancing wing-backs—provides defensive security. His aerial duel success (86%) leads Heidenheim’s defence, neutralising target forwards and providing set-piece security. Mainka’s tackling (2.8 per 90) and blocks (1.4 per 90) demonstrate old-school defending. His passing (86% completion) remains basic; his role involves clearing danger and organising teammates. Mainka’s partnership with Benedikt Gimber has conceded only 1.15 goals per 90 minutes over the 2025/26 season to date. Mainka’s contract runs through 2029.
2. Benedikt Gimber
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Karlsruher SC, Jahn Regensburg, 1. FC Heidenheim
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
Benedikt Gimber has become Mainka’s long-term partner, the German centre-back providing tactical discipline, physicality, and experience across four seasons at the club. The 28-year-old’s aerial duel success (84%) and tackling (2.6 per 90) provide defensive security. Gimber’s contract runs through 2028.
3. Jonas Föhrenbach
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: SC Freiburg, 1. FC Heidenheim
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2021)
Jonas Föhrenbach has become Heidenheim’s first-choice left-back, the German defender providing energy, crossing, and defensive diligence across five seasons at the club. The 29-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.6 per 90) and crossing (37% accuracy) created 3 assists in 2025/26. Föhrenbach’s contract runs through 2028.
4. Omar Traoré
Nationality: German (Guinean descent)
Former Clubs: 1. FC Heidenheim academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Omar Traoré has become Heidenheim’s first-choice right-back, the German-Guinean defender providing pace, crossing, and defensive improvement following his graduation from the club’s academy. The 24-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.7 per 90) and crossing (36% accuracy) created 2 assists in 2025/26. Traoré’s contract runs through 2029.
5. Tim Siersleben
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: VfL Wolfsburg, 1. FC Heidenheim (loan), 1. FC Heidenheim (permanent)
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2024, following loan)
Tim Siersleben has provided centre-back depth following his permanent signing from VfL Wolfsburg, the German defender offering physicality and aerial presence. The 25-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
6. Thomas Leon Keller
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: 1. FC Heidenheim academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Thomas Leon Keller has provided centre-back depth following his graduation from Heidenheim’s youth setup. The 22-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
7. Luka Janes
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: 1. FC Heidenheim academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Luka Janes has been named among the substitutes in 2025/26, the 20-year-old defender representing the future of Heidenheim’s defensive depth.
Midfielders
1. Lennard Maloney (Vice-Captain)
Nationality: German (American descent)
Former Clubs: Borussia Dortmund II, 1. FC Heidenheim
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
Lennard Maloney has become Heidenheim’s midfield anchor and vice-captain, the German-American midfielder providing tackling, physicality, and tactical discipline across four seasons at the club. The 26-year-old’s tackling (3.3 per 90) and interceptions (2.6 per 90) lead Heidenheim’s midfield. His work rate (11.7 kilometres per match) and pressing intensity (11.4 pressures per 90) set Schmidt’s standards. Maloney’s passing (87% completion) remains secure; his role involves disruption and physical presence. Maloney’s contract runs through 2029.
2. Jan Schöppner
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: SC Verl, 1. FC Heidenheim
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
Jan Schöppner has become Heidenheim’s midfield engine, the German midfielder providing energy, ball-carrying, and tactical intelligence across four seasons at the club. The 26-year-old’s ball-carrying (3.8 progressive carries per 90) and work rate (11.5 kilometres per match) provide midfield security. Schöppner’s contract runs through 2029.
3. Norman Theuerkauf
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Eintracht Braunschweig, 1. FC Heidenheim
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2015)
Norman Theuerkauf has become Heidenheim’s longest-serving midfielder, the German veteran providing experience, versatility, and leadership across a decade at the club. The 39-year-old’s role has evolved from starter to emergency cover, but his professionalism remains invaluable. Theuerkauf’s contract expires in 2027, with a coaching role likely thereafter.
4. Adrian Beck
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: SSV Ulm, 1. FC Heidenheim
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Adrian Beck has provided attacking midfield depth following his arrival from SSV Ulm, the German midfielder offering creativity, energy, and set-piece delivery. The 28-year-old’s finishing (4 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (3 assists) provide functional depth. Beck’s contract runs through 2028.
5. Paul Wanner
Nationality: German (Austrian descent)
Former Clubs: Bayern Munich, 1. FC Heidenheim (loan)
Transfer Fee: Loan from Bayern Munich (2025)
Paul Wanner’s season-long loan from Bayern Munich added German-Austrian youth pedigree, creativity, and attacking midfield quality to Heidenheim’s squad. The 20-year-old’s dribbling (3.4 successful take-ons per 90) and finishing (5 goals in 2025/26) provide functional depth. Wanner’s loan expires at the end of the 2025/26 season.
6. Luca Kerber
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: FC Homburg, 1. FC Heidenheim
Transfer Fee: €500,000 (2024)
Luca Kerber has provided midfield depth following his arrival from FC Homburg, the German midfielder offering energy and tackling. The 23-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
7. Niklas Dorsch
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: FC Bayern Munich II, KAA Gent, FC Augsburg, 1. FC Heidenheim
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Niklas Dorsch’s Heidenheim career has been disrupted by injuries (missed 10 matches in 2025/26), yet the German midfielder provides defensive midfield depth when fit. The 28-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Forwards
1. Marvin Pieringer
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: SC Freiburg, Schalke 04, 1. FC Heidenheim
Transfer Fee: €2 million (2024)
Marvin Pieringer has become Heidenheim’s primary attacking weapon, the German striker providing physicality, finishing, and hold-up play following his arrival from Schalke 04. The 26-year-old’s finishing (13 goals in 2025/26) and conversion rate (25%) provide consistent scoring threat. Pieringer’s hold-up play (74% success receiving back to goal) and aerial duel success (83%) occupy defenders, creating space for wingers and midfielders. Pieringer’s contract runs through 2029.
2. Tim Kleindienst
Nationality: German (covered in Borussia Mönchengladbach; departed Heidenheim 2024)
3. Mikkel Kaufmann
Nationality: Danish
Former Clubs: FC Copenhagen, 1. FC Heidenheim (loan), 1. FC Heidenheim (permanent)
Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (2024, following loan)
Mikkel Kaufmann has provided striker depth following his permanent signing from FC Copenhagen, the Danish forward offering pace, finishing, and movement. The 25-year-old’s finishing (6 goals in 2025/26) and work rate provide functional depth. Kaufmann’s contract runs through 2029.
4. Sirlord Conteh
Nationality: German (Sierra Leonean descent)
Former Clubs: SC Paderborn, 1. FC Heidenheim
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Sirlord Conteh has provided wide and striker depth following his arrival from SC Paderborn, the German-Sierra Leonean forward offering pace, physicality, and work rate. The 29-year-old’s finishing (4 goals in 2025/26) and dribbling (3.2 successful take-ons per 90) provide functional depth. Conteh’s contract runs through 2028.
5. Leo Scienza
Nationality: German (Brazilian descent)
Former Clubs: SSV Ulm, 1. FC Heidenheim
Transfer Fee: €500,000 (2024)
Leo Scienza has provided wide depth following his arrival from SSV Ulm, the German-Brazilian winger offering creativity, dribbling, and set-piece delivery. The 27-year-old’s finishing (3 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (4 assists) provide functional depth. Scienza’s contract runs through 2028.
6. Budu Zivzivadze
Nationality: Georgian
Former Clubs: Dinamo Tbilisi, SV Wehen Wiesbaden, 1. FC Heidenheim
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Budu Zivzivadze has provided emergency striker depth following his arrival from SV Wehen Wiesbaden, the Georgian forward offering physicality and finishing. The 31-year-old’s finishing (2 goals in 2025/26 in limited minutes) provides functional depth. Zivzivadze’s contract runs through 2028.
7. Maximilian Breunig
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: 1. FC Heidenheim academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Maximilian Breunig has been named among the substitutes in 2025/26, the 20-year-old forward representing the future of Heidenheim’s attacking depth.
Conclusion
Heidenheim’s 2025/26 squad represents the most remarkable story in German football – a club from a town of 50,000 people competing in its third consecutive Bundesliga season through tactical discipline, organisational excellence, and an unbreakable team spirit. The defence, anchored by Patrick Mainka’s German physicality and Benedikt Gimber’s tactical discipline, provides platform for Schmidt’s organised, defensively sound survival system. The midfield, dominated by Lennard Maloney’s tackling and Jan Schöppner’s energy, controls matches through pressing, disruption, and hard work. The attack, headlined by Marvin Pieringer’s German physicality, carries sufficient goal threat to secure survival. Crucially, Heidenheim has balanced immediate competitiveness with financial sustainability; every player in this squad fits the club’s modest wage structure, and the academy continues to produce homegrown talent. The looming challenge involves maintaining Bundesliga status for a fourth consecutive season – a feat that would cement Schmidt’s legacy as one of German football’s greatest overachievers. Yet the Voith-Arena’s intimate, passionate atmosphere provides emotional fuel. Heidenheim does not hope merely to survive; they expect to frustrate established giants through organisation, resilience, and the unique spirit of the FCH. This squad appears equipped to deliver another season of Bundesliga football. FCH.
