PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rani Khedira |
| Date of Birth | 27/01/1994 (Age: 32) |
| Place of Birth | Stuttgart, Germany |
| Nationality | Tunisian (via father) / German |
| Height | 1.89 m / 6 ft 2 in |
| Weight | 84-86 kg |
| Position | Defensive Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #8 |
| Current Club | 1. FC Union Berlin |
| Previous Clubs | VfB Stuttgart, RB Leipzig, FC Augsburg |
| International Caps | 4+ (as of June 2026) |
| International Goals | 0 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2027 |
| Market Value | – (Salary: €2.36M annual/€36K weekly) |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico was meant to be a remarkable capstone to Rani Khedira’s career. The 32-year-old defensive midfielder, born and raised in Germany and the younger brother of World Cup winner Sami Khedira, had finally embraced his Tunisian heritage and been cleared by FIFA to represent the country of his father on the world stage.
Khedira made his international debut for Tunisia on March 29, 2026, just months before the World Cup. He was immediately thrust into the starting lineup, a testament to the quality and leadership he brought to the Eagles of Carthage. When Tunisia took the field against Sweden in their World Cup opener, Khedira was there, playing 83 minutes in a 5-1 defeat.
But the tournament would end in disappointment. Tunisia fell to Japan in a devastating 0-4 defeat that eliminated them from the competition. Khedira, who had been a reliable presence throughout qualifying and the tournament build-up, found himself part of a campaign that fell short of expectations. Yet his personal achievement remained: the boy from Stuttgart had followed in his brother’s footsteps by appearing at a World Cup.
Origins
Born on January 27, 1994, in Stuttgart, Germany, Rani Khedira comes from a footballing family. He is the younger brother of Sami Khedira, who played a pivotal role in Germany’s 2014 World Cup victory and enjoyed a distinguished career with Real Madrid and Juventus. Both brothers are eligible for Germany and Tunisia through their parents.
Rani Khedira joined the VfB Stuttgart academy as a youth player and progressed through the ranks. His development path mirrored that of many German professionals, with stints at Stuttgart II in the 3. Liga before breaking into the first team.
The German Forge
VfB Stuttgart (2011-2014):
Khedira made his professional debut for VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga during the 2013-14 season, making 9 appearances. He also gained valuable experience with Stuttgart II, making 56 appearances in the 3. Liga and scoring 1 goal. His early career was marked by steady progression through the German football pyramid.
RB Leipzig (2014-2017):
In 2014, Khedira moved to RB Leipzig, then in the 2. Bundesliga. He made 22 appearances in his first season as Leipzig narrowly missed promotion. The 2015-16 season saw Leipzig finish second and secure promotion to the Bundesliga, with Khedira making 19 appearances. In the Bundesliga, his playing time was more limited—10 appearances as Leipzig finished runners-up to Bayern Munich in 2016-17. Over his three seasons at Leipzig, he made 51 appearances across all competitions.
FC Augsburg (2017-2021):
Khedira joined FC Augsburg in 2017 and established himself as a regular starter. His time at the club was defined by consistency across four Bundesliga seasons. He made 30 appearances in 2017-18 (2,275 minutes), 30 appearances in 2018-19 (2,624 minutes), 27 appearances in 2019-20 (1,818 minutes), and 27 appearances in 2020-21 (1,818 minutes). In total, he made 114 Bundesliga appearances for Augsburg, becoming a reliable presence in their midfield.
The Union Berlin Breakthrough
1. FC Union Berlin (2021-Present):
In July 2021, Khedira joined 1. FC Union Berlin, a club on the rise in German football. The move proved transformative for his career. He immediately became a key figure in Union’s midfield, known for his work rate, defensive solidity, and leadership.
His Bundesliga record at Union is exceptional for its consistency:
2021-22:
38 appearances (3,220 minutes)
2022-23:
33 appearances (2,882 minutes)
2023-24:
39 appearances (3,422 minutes)
2024-25:
39 appearances (3,318 minutes)
2025-26:
32 appearances, 32 starts (2,830-2,835 minutes), 5 goals, 1 assist
His 2025-26 season was his most productive in front of goal, with a career-high five Bundesliga strikes. His expected goals (xG) of 4.87 placed him in the 55th percentile among Bundesliga players. His goal involvement of 0.19 per 90 minutes placed him in the 50th percentile.
His disciplinary record showed a combative approach, with 7 yellow cards in 32 appearances (0.22 per 90). He also appeared in the Champions League (4 appearances), Europa League (10 appearances), Conference League (6 appearances), and DFB-Pokal (25 appearances across his career).
In March 2026, Khedira finally made his national team debut—but for Tunisia, the birth country of his father. He started in friendlies against Haiti and Canada and was expected to be a key part of Tunisia’s engine room at the World Cup.
The Anatomy of His Game
Rani Khedira is a defensively-minded central midfielder known for his work rate, tactical intelligence, and leadership. At 189 cm, he combines physical presence with technical discipline.
In Possession:
Khedira’s game is not defined by flair but by reliability. In the 2025-26 Bundesliga season, he scored 5 goals, his best return in a single season. His expected goals (xG) of 4.87 per 90 minutes placed him in the 55th percentile, while his expected assists (xA) of 0.07 per 90 placed him in the 11th percentile. He attempted 23 shots across the season (0.73 per 90), demonstrating his willingness to contribute in the final third. Across his career, he has accumulated 17 goals and 7 assists in 434 matches.
Out of Possession:
Khedira’s primary value lies in his defensive contributions. He is described as “always on the go,” with his work rate and ground coverage being standout attributes. Only Danilho Doekhi covered more ground for Union Berlin across the 2025-26 season. His positional discipline and ability to break up opposition attacks make him a classic “six”—a defensive midfielder who shields the backline.
Psychological Edge:
Khedira’s leadership qualities are widely recognised. He is the vice-captain of Union Berlin, and former coach Steffen Baumgart praised his influence: “I believe that Rani has been important for years now. Even in phases that might not be so good for him. His presence on the pitch, his organizational skills, and his ability to direct and manage a game make him extremely important.”
His late switch of allegiance to Tunisia, clearing through FIFA in March 2026, showed a player ready to embrace a new challenge at the age of 32. The Tunisian football federation welcomed him with a “Welcome Home” message, and he was immediately integrated into the starting lineup for the World Cup.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bundesliga | 32 | 32 | 2,830-2,835 | 5 | 1 | 7 |
| Champions League | 4 | 4 | 289-293 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| DFB-Pokal | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| International Friendlies | 2 | 2 | — | 0 | 0 | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 1+ | 1 | 83+ | 0 | 0 | — |
| TOTAL | 39+ | 39+ | 3,202+ | 5 | 1 | 9 |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Season(s) | Club | League/Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011-2014 | VfB Stuttgart | Bundesliga / 3. Liga | 65 | 1 |
| 2014-2017 | RB Leipzig | 2. Bundesliga / Bundesliga | 51 | 0 |
| 2017-2021 | FC Augsburg | Bundesliga | 114 | 0 |
| 2021-Present | 1. FC Union Berlin | Bundesliga | 180+ | 12 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 434 | 17 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 1+ | 0 | Group Stage |
| Friendlies (2026) | 2 | 0 | — |
| Tunisia Senior Career | 4+ | 0 | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Senior Debut | VfB Stuttgart II |
| 2013 | Bundesliga Debut | VfB Stuttgart |
| 2014 | RB Leipzig Transfer | 2. Bundesliga move |
| 2017 | FC Augsburg Transfer | Bundesliga regular |
| 2021 | Union Berlin Transfer | Key player |
| 2025 | 100th Bundesliga Appearance | FC Augsburg/Union |
| 2026 | Tunisia Debut | vs Haiti |
| 2026 | FIFA Clearance | Switch to Tunisia |
| 2026 | World Cup Appearance | USA/Canada/Mexico |
These figures reveal a player of considerable experience and consistency. Khedira has accumulated 434 professional appearances, scored 17 goals, and established himself as a Bundesliga stalwart. His 2025-26 season was his most productive in front of goal, and his leadership was recognised through his role as Union Berlin’s vice-captain.
The Present Tense
The Union Berlin Story:
Rani Khedira is in his fifth season at 1. FC Union Berlin and serves as the club’s vice-captain. The 2025-26 season was a landmark campaign for the 32-year-old midfielder, as he scored a career-high five Bundesliga goals in 32 appearances. He started every match he played, accumulating over 2,800 minutes of action, with only Danilho Doekhi covering more ground for the club. He also featured in the Champions League, making 4 appearances.
In the summer of 2026, transfer speculation swirled around Khedira. 1. FC Köln had expressed strong interest and held talks with his management, and Borussia Mönchengladbach had also been linked. However, Khedira ultimately decided to stay at Union Berlin, seeing out the final year of his contract, which runs until 2027. A contract extension is not currently on the table, making a free transfer after the 2026-27 season a possibility. Under new head coach Mauro Lustrinelli, Khedira is expected to form a double-pivot and continue his important leadership role.
The World Cup Campaign:
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico marked Khedira’s first appearance at the tournament. He was named in Tunisia’s squad after his March 2026 FIFA clearance. He started Tunisia’s opening group-stage match against Sweden, playing 83 minutes in a 5-1 defeat. Tunisia were eliminated in the group stage following a 0-4 defeat to Japan.
International Record:
Khedira made his senior international debut for Tunisia on March 29, 2026, in a friendly. He has earned over 4 caps, including friendlies and World Cup appearances. His switch of allegiance was formalised by FIFA in March 2026, and the Tunisian football federation welcomed him with a “Welcome Home” message.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Rani Khedira is known for his professionalism and leadership. He is the younger brother of Sami Khedira, the 2014 World Cup winner, and comes from a distinguished footballing family. He holds both German and Tunisian nationality through his parents.
Khedira’s contract with Union Berlin runs until June 2027. He earns a salary of €2.36 million annually (€36,346 weekly). He is represented by a management team, and his transfer value is not publicly disclosed, though he has been a consistent Bundesliga starter for several seasons.
His career has been defined by consistency and durability. He has never been a player of flashy statistics but has been a reliable presence for every club he has represented. His Bundesliga appearances—287 and counting—are a testament to his longevity and professionalism.
The Verdict from the Camp
Steffen Baumgart, former Union Berlin Head Coach:
“I believe that Rani has been important for years now. Even in phases that might not be so good for him. His presence on the pitch, his organizational skills, and his ability to direct and manage a game make him extremely important.”
Statistic:
Khedira has made 287 Bundesliga appearances, scoring 14 goals across his career.
Statistic:
Khedira made his senior international debut for Tunisia on March 29, 2026, and appeared at the 2026 World Cup.
Statistic:
Khedira scored a career-high 5 goals in the 2025-26 Bundesliga season.
Statistic:
Khedira has accumulated 434 professional appearances across all competitions, scoring 17 goals.
Statistic:
Khedira was cleared by FIFA to switch his international allegiance from Germany to Tunisia in March 2026.
Where Next?
Rani Khedira is 32 years old and entering the final season of his contract with Union Berlin, which expires in June 2027. A decision to stay at Union for the upcoming season has been confirmed, though no contract extension is currently on the table. After the 2026-27 season, a free transfer is a possibility.
A return to 1. FC Köln or a move elsewhere in the Bundesliga could be on the cards next summer, given his experience and leadership. Alternatively, he could remain at Union and see out his career in Berlin.
For Tunisia, Khedira has declared his commitment to the national team. He will likely continue as a key player in their midfield as they rebuild following their World Cup disappointment.
From the youth ranks of VfB Stuttgart to the World Cup stage, from a German youth international to a Tunisian senior player, Rani Khedira’s journey is one of resilience, consistency, and the power of heritage. The boy from Stuttgart who followed his brother’s footsteps to the World Cup—representing his father’s homeland on football’s greatest stage—now looks to write the final chapters of a distinguished career.
