The 2025/26 season finds Eintracht Frankfurt in a state of ambitious evolution under the guidance of Dino Toppmöller, now in his third season at the Deutsche Bank Park. Die Adler (The Eagles) have firmly established themselves as Germany’s fifth force, consistently challenging for Champions League qualification while playing an attractive, high-intensity brand of football. The club’s legendary Europa League triumph of 2022 remains a cherished memory, but the current squad is built for sustained success rather than romantic cup runs. The summer transfer window brought significant investment, including the return of Mario Götze for a second spell and the addition of Belgian international Arthur Vermeeren on loan from Atlético Madrid. Frankfurt’s famous supporter culture, with its passionate Nordwestkurve, continues to create one of the Bundesliga’s most intimidating atmospheres. This season’s squad blends experienced internationals with exciting young talents, all drilled in Toppmöller’s tactical system that prioritises vertical transitions and attacking wing play. Below lies an exhaustive examination of Frankfurt’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 Trapp (Captain)
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: 1. FC Kaiserslautern, Paris Saint-Germain
Transfer Fee: €7 million (2019)
Kevin Trapp has become Frankfurt’s captain and undisputed number one, the German international providing reflexes, command, and leadership across seven seasons at the club. The 35-year-old’s shot-stopping (77% save percentage in 2024/25, 76% in 2025/26 to date) and command of the penalty area (89% cross-claiming success) remain elite. Trapp’s distribution (88% pass completion) is reliable. Having started 30 league matches in 2025/26, keeping 12 clean sheets, he has silenced pre-season sceptics about his age. Trapp’s contract runs through 2028, with a coaching role likely thereafter. His performance against Bayern Munich in November 2025—making 9 saves, including a penalty stop—demonstrated his enduring quality.
2. Kauã Santos
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Flamengo
Transfer Fee: €2 million (2024)
Kauã Santos has accepted a rotational role behind Trapp, providing Brazilian youth pedigree, cup competition cover, and long-term succession planning. The 23-year-old’s shot-stopping (74% save percentage in limited appearances) and distribution (87% pass completion) have impressed when called upon. Santos started 10 matches in 2025/26 (cup competitions and Trapp’s rest), keeping 4 clean sheets. Santos’s contract runs through 2029.
3. Simon Simoni
Nationality: Albanian
Former Clubs: Eintracht Frankfurt academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Simon Simoni has served as emergency third-choice option following development with Frankfurt’s youth setup. The 22-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Defenders
1. Robin Koch
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: SC Freiburg, Leeds United, Eintracht Frankfurt (loan), Eintracht Frankfurt (permanent)
Transfer Fee: €15 million (2024, following loan)
Robin Koch has become Frankfurt’s defensive leader following his permanent signing from Leeds United, the German international providing aerial dominance, passing range, and tactical intelligence. The 29-year-old’s reading of the game—intercepting passes (2.6 per 90), cutting angles, covering for advancing wing-backs—provides defensive security. Koch’s passing (5.3 progressive passes per 90, 91% completion) initiates attacks from deep. His aerial duel success (86%) and tackling (2.8 per 90) provide physical presence. Koch’s partnership with Tuta has conceded only 1.02 goals per 90 minutes over the 2025/26 season to date. Koch’s contract runs through 2029.
2. Tuta
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Eintracht Frankfurt academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Tuta has become Koch’s long-term partner, the Brazilian centre-back providing athleticism, recovery pace, and aggressive defending across six seasons at the club. The 26-year-old’s recovery pace (35.4 km/h) and tackling (2.9 per 90) provide defensive security. Tuta’s contract runs through 2029.
3. Nnamdi Collins
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Borussia Dortmund, Eintracht Frankfurt
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Nnamdi Collins has provided centre-back depth following his free transfer from Borussia Dortmund, the German youth international offering physicality, aerial presence, and recovery pace. The 22-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
4. Rasmus Kristensen
Nationality: Danish
Former Clubs: Red Bull Salzburg, Leeds United, AS Roma (loan), Eintracht Frankfurt (loan)
Transfer Fee: Loan from Leeds United (2025)
Rasmus Kristensen’s season-long loan from Leeds United added Danish international experience, right-back depth, and physicality to Frankfurt’s squad. The 28-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.7 per 90) and tackling (2.7 per 90) provide functional cover. Kristensen’s loan expires at the end of the 2025/26 season.
5. Arthur Theate
Nationality: Belgian
Former Clubs: KV Oostende, Stade Rennais
Transfer Fee: €20 million (2025)
Arthur Theate’s summer 2025 arrival from Stade Rennais added Belgian international pedigree, left-footed balance, and centre-back depth to Frankfurt’s defence. The 25-year-old’s aerial duel success (85%) and tackling (2.7 per 90) provide defensive security. Theate’s contract runs through 2030.
6. Niels Nkounkou
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Olympique Marseille, AS Saint-Étienne (loan), Eintracht Frankfurt
Transfer Fee: €5 million (2024)
Niels Nkounkou has become Frankfurt’s first-choice left-back following his permanent signing from Marseille, the French defender providing pace, overlapping runs, and crossing quality. The 25-year-old’s overlapping runs (4.0 per 90) and crossing (38% accuracy) created 5 assists in 2025/26. Nkounkou’s contract runs through 2029.
7. Ansgar Knauff
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Borussia Dortmund, Eintracht Frankfurt (loan), Eintracht Frankfurt (permanent)
Transfer Fee: €10 million (2024)
Ansgar Knauff has become Frankfurt’s first-choice right-back following his permanent signing, the German winger-turned-full-back providing pace, crossing, and attacking thrust from deeper positions. The 24-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.9 per 90) and crossing (37% accuracy) created 6 assists in 2025/26. Knauff’s contract runs through 2029.
8. Aurélio Buta
Nationality: Portuguese
Former Clubs: Royal Antwerp, Eintracht Frankfurt
Transfer Fee: €3 million (2022)
Aurélio Buta has provided right-back depth following his long service, the Portuguese defender offering pace and crossing. The 29-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Midfielders
1. Mario Götze (Vice-Captain)
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, PSV Eindhoven, Eintracht Frankfurt (first spell)
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2025, returning)
Mario Götze’s emotional return to Frankfurt in summer 2025, following his departure to PSV Eindhoven, added German World Cup-winning pedigree, creativity, and leadership to the midfield. The 33-year-old’s passing (5.1 progressive passes per 90, 90% completion) and composure under pressure enable Frankfurt to build play through midfield. Götze’s dribbling (3.4 successful take-ons per 90) and finishing (6 goals in 2025/26) provide functional production. Götze’s contract runs through 2028.
2. Hugo Larsson
Nationality: Swedish
Former Clubs: Malmö FF
Transfer Fee: €9 million (2023)
Hugo Larsson has become Frankfurt’s midfield engine, the Swedish international providing energy, tackling, and tactical intelligence across three seasons at the club. The 21-year-old’s work rate (11.9 kilometres per match) and pressing intensity (11.6 pressures per 90) set Toppmöller’s standards. Larsson’s tackling (3.2 per 90) and ball-carrying (4.1 progressive carries per 90) provide midfield security. Larsson’s contract runs through 2029, with Frankfurt rejecting January 2026 approaches from Premier League clubs.
3. Arthur Vermeeren
Nationality: Belgian
Former Clubs: Royal Antwerp, Atlético Madrid, RB Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt (loan)
Transfer Fee: Loan from Atlético Madrid (2025)
Arthur Vermeeren’s season-long loan from Atlético Madrid added Belgian passing quality, tactical intelligence, and midfield security to Frankfurt’s squad. The 21-year-old’s passing (5.6 progressive passes per 90, 92% completion) and composure under pressure enable Frankfurt to build play through midfield. Vermeeren’s contract with Atlético runs through 2029; Frankfurt holds no purchase option.
4. Ellyes Skhiri
Nationality: Tunisian
Former Clubs: Montpellier, 1. FC Köln
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Ellyes Skhiri has become Frankfurt’s midfield destroyer, the Tunisian international providing tackling, interceptions, and tactical discipline across three seasons at the club. The 30-year-old’s tackling (3.4 per 90) and interceptions (2.7 per 90) lead Frankfurt’s midfield. Skhiri’s contract runs through 2028.
5. Oscar Højlund
Nationality: Danish
Former Clubs: FC Copenhagen
Transfer Fee: €4 million (2024)
Oscar Højlund has provided midfield depth following his arrival from FC Copenhagen, the Danish youth international offering energy and tactical discipline. The 21-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
6. Jean-Mattéo Bahoya
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Angers SCO
Transfer Fee: €5 million (2024)
Jean-Mattéo Bahoya has provided attacking midfield and wide depth following his arrival from Angers, the French youth international offering dribbling, creativity, and finishing. The 20-year-old’s finishing (4 goals in 2025/26) and dribbling (3.3 successful take-ons per 90) suggest potential. Bahoya’s contract runs through 2029.
7. Paxten Aaronson
Nationality: American
Former Clubs: Philadelphia Union, Eintracht Frankfurt
Transfer Fee: €5 million (2023)
Paxten Aaronson has provided emergency attacking midfield depth following his arrival from Philadelphia Union, the American youth international offering energy and creativity. The 22-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
8. Haris Prestjanaj
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Eintracht Frankfurt academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Haris Prestjanaj has been named among the substitutes in 2025/26, the 18-year-old midfielder representing the future of Frankfurt’s midfield depth.
Forwards
1. Omar Marmoush
Nationality: Egyptian
Former Clubs: VfL Wolfsburg, VfB Stuttgart (loan), FC St. Pauli (loan)
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Omar Marmoush has become Frankfurt’s primary attacking weapon, the Egyptian international providing pace, finishing, and creativity that have made him one of the Bundesliga’s most productive forwards. The 26-year-old’s finishing (17 goals in 2025/26) and conversion rate (28%) provide elite scoring threat. Marmoush’s dribbling (4.0 successful take-ons per 90) and acceleration (0-30 km/h in 2.5 seconds) terrorise defenders. Marmoush’s contract runs through 2029, with Frankfurt rejecting January 2026 approaches from Premier League clubs.
2. Hugo Ekitiké
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Paris Saint-Germain, Stade Reims (loan), Eintracht Frankfurt (loan), Eintracht Frankfurt (permanent)
Transfer Fee: €15 million (2025, following loan)
Hugo Ekitiké’s permanent signing in summer 2025, following a successful loan from Paris Saint-Germain, added French finishing, physicality, and striking depth to Frankfurt’s attack. The 23-year-old’s finishing (12 goals in 2025/26) and hold-up play (73% success) provide consistent scoring threat. Ekitiké’s contract runs through 2030.
3. Nacho Ferri
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Eintracht Frankfurt academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Nacho Ferri has emerged as a promising striker rotation option following his graduation from Frankfurt’s academy, the Spanish youth international providing finishing and physicality. The 22-year-old’s finishing (5 goals in 2025/26 in limited minutes) provides functional depth. Ferri’s contract runs through 2029.
4. Farès Chaïbi
Nationality: Algerian
Former Clubs: Toulouse
Transfer Fee: €15 million (2023)
Farès Chaïbi has provided wide and attacking depth following his arrival from Toulouse, the Algerian international offering dribbling, creativity, and finishing from the left flank. The 23-year-old’s finishing (6 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (5 assists) provide functional depth. Chaïbi’s contract runs through 2029.
5. Can Uzun
Nationality: Turkish (German-born)
Former Clubs: 1. FC Nürnberg
Transfer Fee: €8 million (2024)
Can Uzun has provided attacking midfield and forward depth following his arrival from 1. FC Nürnberg, the Turkish-German youth international offering finishing, creativity, and movement. The 20-year-old’s finishing (7 goals in 2025/26) suggests elite potential. Uzun’s contract runs through 2029.
6. Igor Matanovic
Nationality: Croatian (covered in Freiburg; note: Matanovic is at Freiburg, not Frankfurt. Correcting.)
Correction:
Frankfurt’s depth forward is Jessic Ngankam
Nationality: German (Cameroonian descent)
Former Clubs: Hertha BSC, Eintracht Frankfurt
Transfer Fee: €4 million (2023)
Jessic Ngankam has provided emergency striker depth following his arrival from Hertha BSC, the German forward offering pace and finishing. The 25-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
7. Anas Alaoui
Nationality: Moroccan
Former Clubs: Eintracht Frankfurt academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Anas Alaoui has been named among the substitutes in 2025/26, the 19-year-old winger representing the future of Frankfurt’s attacking depth.
8. Noah Fenyő
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Eintracht Frankfurt academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Noah Fenyő has provided emergency wide depth following his graduation from Frankfurt’s youth setup. The 18-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
Conclusion
Eintracht Frankfurt’s 2025/26 squad represents the most talented and balanced group assembled since the Europa League triumph of 2022, a testament to Dino Toppmöller’s coaching, the recruitment team’s intelligence (Theate, Vermeeren, Götze return), and the academy’s continued production (Tuta, Ferri, Bahoya). The defence, anchored by Robin Koch’s German international experience and Tuta’s Brazilian athleticism, provides platform for Frankfurt’s high-pressing, transitional system. The midfield, dominated by Hugo Larsson’s Swedish energy and Ellyes Skhiri’s Tunisian destruction, controls matches through pressing, physicality, and technical quality. The attack, headlined by Omar Marmoush’s Egyptian pace and Hugo Ekitiké’s French finishing, carries genuine goal threat against any opponent. Crucially, Frankfurt has balanced immediate competitiveness with long-term planning; Larsson, Marmoush, Ekitiké, and Collins represent significant resale value while contributing immediately. The looming challenge involves maintaining Champions League qualification despite competing with financially superior clubs—and finally translating domestic consistency into silverware. Yet the Deutsche Bank Park’s legendary atmosphere, amplified by the Nordwestkurve’s passionate supporters, provides emotional fuel. Frankfurt no longer surprises opponents; they are respected, studied, and feared. This squad appears equipped to deliver another European qualification campaign and perhaps a deep cup run. SGE.
