Mainz Squad 2024/25: A Comprehensive Overview
The 2024/25 season marks an exciting chapter for 1. FSV Mainz 05 as they aim to build on their recent successes and establish themselves as a formidable force in German football. Known for their shrewd recruitment and emphasis on developing young talent, Mainz has assembled a balanced squad capable of competing across all fronts. This season’s roster features a mix of experienced veterans, emerging stars, and strategic new signings, all of whom bring unique qualities to the team. Below, we delve into the squad, breaking it down into goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, with detailed profiles of each player.
Goalkeepers
- Robin Zentner
- Nationality: German
- Former Clubs: Mainz II
- Transfer Fee: Academy Graduate
Robin Zentner remains a cornerstone of Mainz’s defensive setup. A product of the club’s youth academy, Zentner has grown into one of the Bundesliga’s most reliable shot-stoppers. Standing at 1.95 meters, his commanding presence in the box and exceptional reflexes make him a formidable last line of defense. In the 2023/24 season, he kept 10 clean sheets and made over 80 saves, showcasing his consistency. Zentner’s leadership and ability to organize the backline have earned him the captain’s armband, making him an indispensable figure for the team.
- Finn Dahmen
- Nationality: German
- Former Clubs: Mainz II
- Transfer Fee: Academy Graduate
Finn Dahmen serves as a capable understudy to Zentner. At 26 years old, Dahmen has shown flashes of brilliance in his limited appearances, particularly in cup competitions. His agility and quick decision-making have helped him excel in one-on-one situations. Although he has yet to establish himself as a first-choice goalkeeper, Dahmen’s potential and dedication make him a valuable asset for the future.
- Lasse Rieß
- Nationality: German
- Former Clubs: FC Ingolstadt, Holstein Kiel
- Transfer Fee: €500,000
A summer 2024 signing, Lasse Rieß adds depth to Mainz’s goalkeeping department. The 28-year-old brings Bundesliga experience from his time at Holstein Kiel, where he was known for his shot-stopping ability and composure under pressure. Rieß’s arrival provides healthy competition for Zentner and Dahmen, ensuring the club is well-covered in this critical position.
Defenders
- Stefan Bell
- Nationality: German
- Former Clubs: Mainz II
- Transfer Fee: Academy Graduate
A Mainz stalwart, Stefan Bell continues to be a rock at the heart of the defense. Now in his mid-30s, Bell’s experience and tactical intelligence are invaluable. His ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions has been pivotal in maintaining the team’s defensive solidity. Despite his age, Bell remains a key figure, mentoring younger defenders and contributing with his aerial prowess during set-pieces.
- Alexander Hack
- Nationality: German
- Former Clubs: SpVgg Greuther Fürth
- Transfer Fee: €1.5 million
Alexander Hack has been a consistent performer since joining Mainz in 2018. Known for his physicality and no-nonsense defending, Hack is a reliable presence in the backline. His partnership with Bell has been instrumental in the team’s defensive success. Hack’s ability to play out from the back has also improved significantly, making him a well-rounded center-back.
- Moussa Niakhaté
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: FC Metz
- Transfer Fee: €8 million
Moussa Niakhaté is a fan favorite at Mainz, admired for his athleticism and versatility. Capable of playing as a center-back or left-back, Niakhaté’s pace and tackling ability make him a nightmare for opposing attackers. His leadership qualities were recognized with the vice-captaincy, and his contributions extend beyond defense, as he often chips in with crucial goals.
- Silvan Widmer
- Nationality: Swiss
- Former Clubs: Udinese, FC Aarau
- Transfer Fee: €4 million
Silvan Widmer is Mainz’s first-choice right-back, known for his tireless work rate and attacking contributions. The Swiss international’s overlapping runs and pinpoint crosses have been a key feature of Mainz’s play. Defensively, Widmer’s positioning and tackling ensure he is equally effective in his primary role.
- Aaron Caricol
- Nationality: German
- Former Clubs: FC St. Pauli
- Transfer Fee: €3.5 million
Aaron Caricol joined Mainz in the summer of 2024, bringing energy and dynamism to the left-back position. The 24-year-old is known for his speed and ability to contribute to both defense and attack. Caricol’s arrival has added depth and competition to the squad, making him a promising addition.
- Sepp van den Berg
- Nationality: Dutch
- Former Clubs: Liverpool, Preston North End
- Transfer Fee: Loan (Permanent option)
Sepp van den Berg’s loan move from Liverpool has been made permanent following an impressive 2023/24 campaign. The Dutch defender’s composure on the ball and ability to play out from the back align perfectly with Mainz’s style. At just 22, van den Berg has a bright future ahead and is already a key player for the team.
Midfielders
- Leandro Barreiro
- Nationality: Luxembourgish
- Former Clubs: Mainz II
- Transfer Fee: Academy Graduate
Leandro Barreiro is the engine of Mainz’s midfield. The Luxembourg international’s tireless running, ball-winning ability, and precise passing make him a vital cog in the team’s setup. Barreiro’s development has been remarkable, and he is now one of the first names on the team sheet.
- Anton Stach
- Nationality: German
- Former Clubs: Greuther Fürth
- Transfer Fee: €2 million
Anton Stach’s technical ability and vision have made him a standout performer in Mainz’s midfield. The 25-year-old is adept at dictating the tempo of the game and has a knack for scoring spectacular goals. Stach’s versatility allows him to play in multiple midfield roles, adding to his value.
- Dominik Kohr
- Nationality: German
- Former Clubs: Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt
- Transfer Fee: €3 million
Dominik Kohr brings experience and tenacity to the midfield. Known for his aggressive tackling and ability to break up play, Kohr is a reliable defensive midfielder. His leadership and work ethic have made him a respected figure in the squad.
- Aymen Barkok
- Nationality: German-Moroccan
- Former Clubs: Eintracht Frankfurt, Fortuna Düsseldorf
- Transfer Fee: €2.5 million
Aymen Barkok’s creativity and flair have added a new dimension to Mainz’s midfield. The 26-year-old is capable of unlocking defenses with his dribbling and incisive passing. Barkok’s versatility allows him to play centrally or on the wings, providing the coach with tactical flexibility.
- Tom Krauß
- Nationality: German
- Former Clubs: RB Leipzig, Schalke 04
- Transfer Fee: €5 million
Tom Krauß joined Mainz in 2024, bringing energy and technical quality to the midfield. The 23-year-old is known for his pressing and ability to transition quickly from defense to attack. Krauß’s potential is immense, and he is expected to play a significant role this season.
Forwards
- Jonathan Burkardt
- Nationality: German
- Former Clubs: Mainz II
- Transfer Fee: Academy Graduate
Jonathan Burkardt is Mainz’s talismanic striker. The 24-year-old has developed into a complete forward, combining clinical finishing with intelligent movement. Burkardt’s 15 goals in the 2023/24 season were crucial to the team’s success, and he is poised to build on that form.
- Karim Onisiwo
- Nationality: Austrian
- Former Clubs: SV Mattersburg
- Transfer Fee: €6 million
Karim Onisiwo’s pace and physicality make him a constant threat in attack. The Austrian forward is adept at holding up the ball and bringing teammates into play. Onisiwo’s versatility allows him to play as a central striker or on the wings, adding depth to the attacking options.
- Ludovic Ajorque
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Strasbourg
- Transfer Fee: €5 million
Ludovic Ajorque’s aerial prowess and hold-up play have made him a valuable addition to the squad. The French striker’s ability to score from set-pieces and create chances for teammates has been a key asset. Ajorque’s experience in Ligue 1 has translated well to the Bundesliga.
- Brajan Gruda
- Nationality: German-Albanian
- Former Clubs: Mainz II
- Transfer Fee: Academy Graduate
Brajan Gruda is one of Mainz’s most exciting young talents. The 19-year-old winger’s dribbling skills and creativity have drawn comparisons to some of the league’s best. Gruda’s breakthrough season in 2023/24 showcased his potential, and he is expected to play a bigger role this year.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 Mainz Squad is a blend of youth and experience, with a strong emphasis on developing homegrown talent. The team’s balanced composition and strategic signings have positioned them well for a competitive season. With a solid defensive foundation, a dynamic midfield, and a potent attack, Mainz is ready to challenge for a top-half finish and make a deep run in cup competitions. The future looks bright for Die Nullfünfer as they continue to build on their proud tradition.