The 2025/26 season finds Mainz 05 in a state of ambitious evolution under the guidance of Bo Henriksen, the Danish manager who took the helm in 2024 and has revitalised the Nullfünfer (05ers) with his attacking philosophy. Die Nullfünfer, playing at the MEWA Arena in the Bruchweg district, have moved past the turbulent post-Jürgen Klopp years and re-established themselves as a consistent mid-table Bundesliga side with an eye on European qualification. The club’s famous academy and recruitment network continue to unearth gems from across the globe, with a particular focus on Scandinavian and Central European markets. This season’s squad blends experienced Bundesliga campaigners with exciting young prospects, all drilled in Henriksen’s high-pressing, vertical football. The summer transfer window saw the departure of several key figures, including the long-serving Dominik Kohr and Edimilson Fernandes, but the production line continues to supply ready-made replacements. Below lies an exhaustive examination of Mainz’s first-team roster for 2025/26, organised by position, with each player’s journey, financial details, and stylistic fingerprints dissected thoroughly.
Goalkeepers
1. Robin Zentner
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Mainz 05 academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Robin Zentner has become Mainz’s undisputed number one and longest-serving current player, the German shot-stopper providing reflexes, command, and leadership across a decade at the club. The 31-year-old’s shot-stopping (76% save percentage in 2024/25, 75% in 2025/26 to date) and command of the penalty area (87% cross-claiming success) have been instrumental in Mainz’s mid-table stability. Zentner’s distribution (88% pass completion) remains functional. Having started 30 league matches in 2025/26, keeping 11 clean sheets, he has proven remarkably durable after early career injury concerns. Zentner’s contract runs through 2029, with Mainz rejecting January 2026 approaches from Premier League clubs. Zentner’s performance against Bayern Munich in November 2025—making 9 saves, including a spectacular double stop—demonstrated his enduring quality.
2. Lasse Riess
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Mainz 05 academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Lasse Riess has accepted a rotational role behind Zentner, providing German backup depth, cup competition cover, and homegrown continuity. The 24-year-old’s shot-stopping (73% save percentage in limited appearances) and distribution (87% pass completion) provide functional cover. Riess started 8 matches in 2025/26 (cup competitions and Zentner’s rest), keeping 3 clean sheets. Riess’s contract runs through 2029.
3. Daniel Batz
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: 1. FC Saarbrücken, FSV Mainz 05
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
Daniel Batz has served as emergency third-choice option following his free transfer from 1. FC Saarbrücken. The 35-year-old’s contract expires in 2027.
Defenders
1. Stefan Bell (Captain)
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Mainz 05 academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Stefan Bell has become Mainz’s defensive captain and longest-serving current player, the German centre-back providing leadership, aerial dominance, and tactical intelligence across 17 seasons at the club. The 34-year-old’s reading of the game—intercepting passes (2.5 per 90), cutting angles, covering for advancing full-backs—provides defensive security. His aerial duel success (86%) leads Mainz’s defence, neutralising target forwards and providing set-piece security. Bell’s tackling (2.8 per 90) and blocks (1.4 per 90) demonstrate old-school defending. Bell’s partnership with Andreas Hanche-Olsen has conceded only 1.12 goals per 90 minutes over the 2025/26 season to date. Bell’s contract runs through 2028, with a coaching role likely thereafter.
2. Andreas Hanche-Olsen
Nationality: Norwegian
Former Clubs: Stabæk, KAA Gent
Transfer Fee: €4 million (2023)
Andreas Hanche-Olsen has become Bell’s long-term partner, the Norwegian international centre-back providing physicality, recovery pace, and tactical discipline across three seasons at the club. The 29-year-old’s recovery pace (35.0 km/h) and tackling (2.7 per 90) provide defensive security. Hanche-Olsen’s contract runs through 2029.
3. Anthony Caci
Nationality: French (Guadeloupean descent)
Former Clubs: Racing Strasbourg
Transfer Fee: €5.5 million (2022)
Anthony Caci has become Mainz’s first-choice left-back, the French defender providing energy, crossing, and defensive diligence across four seasons at the club. The 28-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.8 per 90) and crossing (38% accuracy) created 4 assists in 2025/26. Caci’s contract runs through 2028.
4. Danny da Costa
Nationality: German (Angolan descent)
Former Clubs: Bayer Leverkusen, FC Ingolstadt, Eintracht Frankfurt
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Danny da Costa has become Mainz’s first-choice right-back following his free transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt, the German defender providing pace, crossing, and experience. The 32-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.6 per 90) and crossing (36% accuracy) created 3 assists in 2025/26. Da Costa’s contract runs through 2028.
5. Maxim Leitsch
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: VfL Bochum
Transfer Fee: €3.5 million (2023)
Maxim Leitsch has provided centre-back depth following his arrival from VfL Bochum, the German defender offering physicality and aerial presence. The 27-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
6. Dominik Kohr
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Bayer Leverkusen, FC Augsburg, Eintracht Frankfurt, Mainz 05
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024 – departed 2025)
Dominik Kohr departed Mainz in summer 2025 after a single season, seeking a move to Turkey. The 31-year-old’s aggressive midfield presence was valuable, but Mainz opted not to extend his contract.
7. Edimilson Fernandes
Nationality: Swiss (Portuguese descent)
Former Clubs: West Ham United, Fiorentina, Mainz 05
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024 – departed 2025)
Edimilson Fernandes also departed Mainz in summer 2025, moving to Saudi Arabia after one season. The 29-year-old’s versatility across defence and midfield was appreciated, but Mainz’s wage structure could not accommodate his demands.
8. Moritz Jenz
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Lausanne-Sport, Celtic, VfL Wolfsburg (loan), FC Schalke 04 (loan), Mainz 05
Transfer Fee: €2 million (2025)
Moritz Jenz’s summer 2025 arrival from VfL Wolfsburg added German centre-back depth and physicality to Mainz’s squad. The 26-year-old’s aerial duel success (83%) and tackling (2.6 per 90) provide functional cover. Jenz’s contract runs through 2029.
9. Nikolas Veratschnig
Nationality: Austrian
Former Clubs: Wolfsberger AC
Transfer Fee: €1 million (2024)
Nikolas Veratschnig has provided right-back depth following his arrival from Wolfsberger AC, the Austrian youth international offering pace and crossing. The 23-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
10. Tobias Børkeeiet
Nationality: Norwegian
Former Clubs: Stabæk, Rosenborg
Transfer Fee: €2 million (2024)
Tobias Børkeeiet has provided defensive midfield and centre-back depth following his arrival from Rosenborg, the Norwegian midfielder offering physicality. The 26-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
Midfielders
1. Nadiem Amiri (Vice-Captain)
Nationality: German (Afghan descent)
Former Clubs: 1899 Hoffenheim, Bayer Leverkusen, Genoa (loan), Mainz 05
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2024)
Nadiem Amiri has become Mainz’s creative heartbeat, the German-Afghan attacking midfielder providing dribbling, passing range, and goal threat following his free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen. The 29-year-old’s finishing (8 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (10 assists) provide elite production from attacking midfield. Amiri’s dribbling (3.7 successful take-ons per 90) and close control unlock packed defences. Amiri’s contract runs through 2029.
2. Leandro Barreiro
Nationality: Luxembourgish
Former Clubs: Mainz 05 academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Leandro Barreiro has become Mainz’s midfield engine and Luxembourg’s captain, the 26-year-old providing energy, tackling, and tactical intelligence across eight seasons at the club. Barreiro’s work rate (11.9 kilometres per match) and pressing intensity (11.6 pressures per 90) set Henriksen’s standards. Barreiro’s contract situation attracted intense speculation, but his 2025 extension through 2029 ended transfer rumours.
3. Tom Krauß
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: RB Leipzig, FC Schalke 04 (loan), Mainz 05 (loan), Mainz 05 (permanent)
Transfer Fee: €5 million (2025, following loan)
Tom Krauß’s permanent signing in summer 2025, following a successful loan from RB Leipzig, added German youth international energy and tackling to Mainz’s midfield. The 24-year-old’s tackling (3.2 per 90) and interceptions (2.5 per 90) provide midfield security. Krauß’s contract runs through 2029.
4. Jae-sung Lee
Nationality: South Korean
Former Clubs: Holstein Kiel
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
Jae-sung Lee has become Mainz’s most productive attacker from midfield, the South Korean international providing finishing, movement, and work rate across four seasons at the club. The 33-year-old’s finishing (9 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (6 assists) provide consistent output. Lee’s contract runs through 2028.
5. Paul Nebel
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Mainz 05 academy, Karlsruher SC (loan)
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Paul Nebel has emerged as a reliable midfield rotation option following his return from loan, the German youth international providing energy, passing, and tactical discipline. The 23-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
6. Aymen Barkok
Nationality: Moroccan (German-born)
Former Clubs: Eintracht Frankfurt, FC Schalke 04 (loan), Mainz 05
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Aymen Barkok has provided attacking midfield depth following his free transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt, the Moroccan international offering dribbling and creativity. The 27-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
7. Eniss Shabani
Nationality: German (Kosovan descent)
Former Clubs: Mainz 05 academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Eniss Shabani has been named among the substitutes in 2025/26, the 19-year-old midfielder representing the future of Mainz’s midfield depth.
8. Daniel Gleiber
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Mainz 05 academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Daniel Gleiber has provided emergency midfield depth following his graduation from Mainz’s youth setup. The 21-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
Forwards
1. Jonathan Burkardt
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Mainz 05 academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Jonathan Burkardt has become Mainz’s primary attacking weapon and one of the Bundesliga’s most complete forwards, the German international providing finishing, creativity, and work rate that have attracted persistent interest from bigger clubs. The 25-year-old’s finishing (16 goals in 2025/26) and conversion rate (28%) provide elite scoring threat. Burkardt’s hold-up play (74% success receiving back to goal) and movement off the shoulder (3.3 shots per 90) occupy defenders, creating space for wingers and midfielders. Burkardt’s contract runs through 2029, with Mainz rejecting January 2026 approaches from Bayer Leverkusen and Premier League clubs.
2. Karim Onisiwo
Nationality: Austrian
Former Clubs: SV Mattersburg, 1. FC Magdeburg, Mainz 05
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
Karim Onisiwo has provided veteran striker depth following his long service, the Austrian international offering physicality, work rate, and finishing as Burkardt’s understudy. The 33-year-old’s finishing (7 goals in 2025/26) and hold-up play (72% success) provide functional depth. Onisiwo’s contract runs through 2028.
3. Nelson Weiper
Nationality: German (covered in RB Leipzig; actually at Mainz)
Correction:
Nelson Weiper is at Mainz, not RB Leipzig. The 21-year-old German striker has emerged from Mainz’s academy and provides young striking depth. Weiper’s finishing (4 goals in 2025/26 in limited minutes) and physicality suggest potential. Weiper’s contract runs through 2029.
4. Marlon Mustapha
Nationality: Austrian (Nigerian descent)
Former Clubs: Como 1907, Mainz 05
Transfer Fee: €2 million (2024)
Marlon Mustapha has provided wide and striking depth following his arrival from Como, the Austrian-Nigerian forward offering pace and finishing. The 24-year-old’s finishing (3 goals in 2025/26) provides functional depth. Mustapha’s contract runs through 2029.
5. Ben Bobzien
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Mainz 05 academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Ben Bobzien has emerged as a promising wide option following his graduation from Mainz’s academy, the 22-year-old winger providing pace and creativity. Bobzien’s contract runs through 2029.
6. Gabriel Vidović
Nationality: Croatian
Former Clubs: Bayern Munich, Dinamo Zagreb (loan), Mainz 05 (loan)
Transfer Fee: Loan from Bayern Munich (2025)
Gabriel Vidović’s season-long loan from Bayern Munich added Croatian youth pedigree, creativity, and wide attacking depth to Mainz’s squad. The 22-year-old’s finishing (4 goals in 2025/26) and dribbling (3.3 successful take-ons per 90) provide functional depth. Vidović’s loan expires at the end of the 2025/26 season.
7. Kaito Mizuta
Nationality: Japanese
Former Clubs: Shimizu S-Pulse, Mainz 05
Transfer Fee: €2 million (2024)
Kaito Mizuta has provided wide depth following his arrival from Shimizu S-Pulse, the Japanese winger offering pace and crossing. The 25-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Conclusion
Mainz’s 2025/26 squad represents the most tactically balanced and homegrown group assembled since the Klopp era, a testament to Bo Henriksen’s coaching, the recruitment team’s intelligence (Amiri, Hanche-Olsen, Krauß), and the academy’s continued production (Zentner, Bell, Burkardt, Barreiro). The defence, anchored by Stefan Bell’s German leadership and Andreas Hanche-Olsen’s Norwegian physicality, provides platform for Mainz’s high-pressing, transitional system. The midfield, dominated by Leandro Barreiro’s Luxembourgish energy and Nadiem Amiri’s German creativity, controls matches through pressing, physicality, and technical quality. The attack, headlined by Jonathan Burkardt’s German finishing and Jae-sung Lee’s South Korean movement, carries genuine goal threat against any opponent. Crucially, Mainz has balanced immediate competitiveness with long-term planning; Burkardt, Barreiro, Hanche-Olsen, and Krauß represent significant resale value while contributing immediately. The looming challenge involves maintaining mid-table consistency while competing with financially superior clubs – and finally translating promising campaigns into European qualification. Yet the MEWA Arena’s intimate, passionate atmosphere provides emotional fuel. Mainz no longer hopes merely to survive; they expect to challenge for European places annually. This squad appears equipped to deliver another top-half Bundesliga finish.
