The 2025/26 season finds SC Freiburg in a state of steady evolution under the guidance of Julian Schuster, the former club captain who took the helm in 2024 following Christian Streich’s legendary 29-year tenure. The Schwarzwaldverein (Black Forest Club) have maintained their reputation for intelligent recruitment, financial prudence, and homegrown development, finishing seventh in the Bundesliga last season and qualifying for the Europa League. The Europa-Park Stadion, one of Germany’s most modern and atmospheric venues, continues to host a team that embodies the region’s values: hard work, humility, and tactical discipline. Breisgau-Brasilianer, as they are affectionately known for their technical style under Streich, have adapted to Schuster’s more pragmatic approach while retaining their identity as overachievers relative to their budget. The summer transfer window brought significant investment, including Japanese forward Keisuke Goto for €10 million, as Freiburg looks to build on their European qualification. Below lies an exhaustive examination of Freiburg’s first-team roster for 2025/26, organised by position, with each player’s journey, financial details, and stylistic fingerprints dissected thoroughly .
Goalkeepers
1. Noah Atubolu
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: SC Freiburg academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Noah Atubolu has fully established himself as Freiburg’s undisputed number one following his breakthrough season in 2024/25. The 24-year-old German youth international provides reflexes, distribution, and command that have silenced any lingering doubts about his ability to replace the legendary Mark Flekken. Atubolu’s shot-stopping (74% save percentage in 2025/26 to date) and command of the penalty area (86% cross-claiming success) have been instrumental in Freiburg’s European qualification push . His distribution (88% pass completion), particularly his quick throws to initiate counters and short passes to centre-backs, suits Schuster’s possession-based system. Having started 22 league matches in 2025/26, keeping 9 clean sheets, he has proven remarkably durable after early career injury concerns. Atubolu’s contract runs through 2029, with Freiburg rejecting January 2026 approaches from Premier League clubs. Atubolu’s performance against Bayern Munich in October 2025—making 8 saves, including a spectacular point-blank stop from Harry Kane—demonstrated his elite potential .
2. Florian Müller
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: 1. FSV Mainz 05, VfB Stuttgart, FC Augsburg
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2025)
Florian Müller’s summer 2025 arrival from FC Augsburg added German experience and veteran depth to Freiburg’s goalkeeping unit. The 28-year-old’s reflexes (72% save percentage in limited appearances) and distribution (86% pass completion) provide reliable backup cover. Müller started 8 matches in 2025/26 (cup competitions and Atubolu’s rest), keeping 3 clean sheets. Müller’s contract runs through 2028 .
3. Jannik Huth
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: 1. FSV Mainz 05, SC Paderborn
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Jannik Huth has served as emergency third-choice option following his free transfer from SC Paderborn. The 33-year-old’s contract runs through 2027 .
4. Mio Backhaus
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Werder Bremen
Transfer Fee: €2 million (2025)
Mio Backhaus’s summer 2025 arrival from Werder Bremen added young German goalkeeping depth and long-term succession planning to Freiburg’s squad. The 21-year-old has been integrated into the matchday squad as fourth-choice option. Backhaus’s contract runs through 2029 .
Defenders
1. Matthias Ginter
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Borussia Dortmund, Borussia Mönchengladbach
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
Matthias Ginter has become Freiburg’s defensive leader and the veteran presence in the backline, the German World Cup winner providing aerial dominance, passing range, and organisational communication across four seasons at his hometown club. The 31-year-old’s reading of the game—intercepting passes (2.4 per 90), cutting angles, covering for advancing full-backs—provides defensive security. Ginter’s passing (5.1 progressive passes per 90, 90% completion) initiates attacks from deep. His aerial duel success (85%) and tackling (2.7 per 90) provide physical presence. His partnership with Philipp Lienhart has conceded only 1.05 goals per 90 minutes over the 2025/26 season to date. Ginter’s contract runs through 2028 .
2. Christian Günter (Captain)
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: SC Freiburg academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Christian Günter has become Freiburg’s captain and longest-serving current player, the German international providing attacking thrust, crossing, and leadership across 13 seasons at the club. Now 32, Günter’s overlapping runs (4.1 per 90) and crossing (39% accuracy) created 6 assists in 2025/26. His left-footed deliveries from the flank remain a primary attacking weapon. Günter’s defensive positioning (2.0 interceptions per 90) and recovery pace remain reliable. Günter’s contract runs through 2028, with a coaching role likely thereafter .
3. Philipp Lienhart
Nationality: Austrian
Former Clubs: Real Madrid Castilla
Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (2018)
Philipp Lienhart has become Ginter’s long-term partner, the Austrian international centre-back providing left-footed balance, composure, and tactical intelligence across eight seasons at the club. The 29-year-old’s left-footed passing (4.9 progressive passes per 90, 90% completion) initiates attacks from the left channel. Lienhart’s aerial duel success (84%) and tackling (2.6 per 90) provide defensive security. Lienhart’s contract runs through 2029 .
4. Kiliann Sildillia
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: SC Freiburg academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Kiliann Sildillia departed Freiburg in July 2025 to join Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven. The 23-year-old French full-back’s move represented a significant loss for Freiburg, but the club has reinvested in replacements .
5. Jordy Makengo
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: SC Freiburg academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Jordy Makengo has extended his contract with Freiburg and emerged as a reliable left-back rotation option following Günter’s reduced availability. The 24-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.5 per 90) and crossing (36% accuracy) provide functional depth. Makengo’s contract runs through 2029 .
6. Lukas Kübler
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: SC Freiburg academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Lukas Kübler has become Freiburg’s first-choice right-back, the German defender providing energy, defensive diligence, and tactical discipline across seven seasons at the club. The 33-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.6 per 90) and crossing (37% accuracy) created 3 assists in 2025/26. Kübler’s contract runs through 2028 .
7. Philipp Treu
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: FC St. Pauli
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2025)
Philipp Treu returned to Freiburg in summer 2025 following his departure from FC St. Pauli, the 25-year-old full-back adding right-back depth and versatility to the squad. Treu’s overlapping runs (3.4 per 90) and crossing (36% accuracy) provide functional cover. Treu’s contract runs through 2029 .
8. Maximilian Rosenfelder
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: SC Freiburg academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Maximilian Rosenfelder has emerged as a promising centre-back rotation option following his graduation from Freiburg’s academy, the 24-year-old providing physicality and aerial presence. Rosenfelder’s contract runs through 2029 .
9. Bruno Ogbus
Nationality: Swiss (German descent)
Former Clubs: SC Freiburg academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Bruno Ogbus has provided centre-back depth following his graduation from Freiburg’s youth setup. The 21-year-old’s contract runs through 2029 .
10. Anthony Jung
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Werder Bremen
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Anthony Jung has provided centre-back and left-back depth following his free transfer from Werder Bremen, the 34-year-old offering experience and versatility. Jung’s contract expires in 2027 .
Midfielders
1. Maximilian Eggestein
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Werder Bremen
Transfer Fee: €8 million (2022)
Maximilian Eggestein has become Freiburg’s midfield anchor, the German international providing passing range, tactical intelligence, and work rate across four seasons at the club. The 28-year-old’s passing (5.2 progressive passes per 90, 90% completion) and composure under pressure enable Freiburg to build play through midfield. Eggestein’s tackling (2.9 per 90) and interceptions (2.3 per 90) provide midfield security. Eggestein’s contract runs through 2029 .
2. Nicolas Höfler
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: SC Freiburg academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Nicolas Höfler has become Freiburg’s longest-serving midfielder and a club legend, the German veteran providing tackling, tactical fouling, and leadership across 15 seasons at the club. Now 35, Höfler’s tackling (3.1 per 90) and interceptions (2.5 per 90) remain reliable. His work rate (11.5 kilometres per match) and pressing intensity set standards. Höfler’s contract expires in 2027, with a coaching role likely thereafter .
3. Patrick Osterhage
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: VfL Bochum
Transfer Fee: €5 million (2024)
Patrick Osterhage has provided midfield depth following his arrival from VfL Bochum, the German midfielder offering energy, tackling, and tactical discipline. The 27-year-old’s contract runs through 2029 .
4. Daniel-Kofi Kyereh
Nationality: Ghanaian
Former Clubs: FC St. Pauli
Transfer Fee: €4.5 million (2022)
Daniel-Kofi Kyereh’s Freiburg career has been severely disrupted by an ACL rupture, yet the Ghanaian international provides emergency attacking midfield depth when fit. The 30-year-old’s contract runs through 2027 .
5. Yuito Suzuki
Nationality: Japanese
Former Clubs: Shonan Bellmare, Sint-Truiden (loan)
Transfer Fee: €4 million (2024)
Yuito Suzuki has emerged as a creative midfield option following his arrival from Shonan Bellmare, the Japanese international providing passing, dribbling, and creativity from attacking midfield. The 24-year-old’s finishing (4 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (5 assists) provide functional depth. Suzuki’s contract runs through 2029 .
6. Johan Manzambi
Nationality: Swiss
Former Clubs: SC Freiburg academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Johan Manzambi has emerged as a promising midfield rotation option following his graduation from Freiburg’s academy, the 21-year-old providing energy, passing, and tactical discipline. Manzambi’s contract runs through 2029 .
7. Rihito Yamamoto
Nationality: Japanese
Former Clubs: Sint-Truiden
Transfer Fee: €3 million (2025)
Rihito Yamamoto’s summer 2025 arrival from Sint-Truiden added Japanese midfield depth and technical quality to Freiburg’s squad. The 23-year-old’s passing (4.6 progressive passes per 90) and work rate provide functional depth. Yamamoto’s contract runs through 2029 .
Forwards
1. Vincenzo Grifo
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: 1899 Hoffenheim, Borussia Mönchengladbach
Transfer Fee: €4 million (2019)
Vincenzo Grifo has become Freiburg’s primary creative weapon and set-piece specialist, the Italian international providing finishing, dribbling, and dead-ball excellence across seven seasons at the club. The 32-year-old’s finishing (9 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (8 assists) provide elite production from the left flank. Grifo’s set-piece delivery (3 direct free kick goals, 6 corner assists) remains among the Bundesliga’s best. Grifo’s contract runs through 2028 .
2. Lucas Höler
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: SV Sandhausen
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2018)
Lucas Höler has become Freiburg’s versatile attacking option, the German forward providing work rate, finishing, and tactical intelligence across eight seasons at the club. The 31-year-old’s finishing (8 goals in 2025/26) and movement across the frontline provide functional depth. Höler’s contract runs through 2028 .
3. Igor Matanovic
Nationality: Croatian
Former Clubs: Eintracht Frankfurt, FC St. Pauli (loan), Karlsruher SC (loan)
Transfer Fee: €8 million (2025)
Igor Matanovic’s summer 2025 arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt added Croatian physicality, finishing, and striking depth to Freiburg’s attack. The 24-year-old’s finishing (6 goals in 2025/26 in limited minutes) and hold-up play (72% success) provide functional depth. Matanovic’s contract runs through 2029 .
4. Keisuke Goto
Nationality: Japanese
Former Clubs: Jubilo Iwata, RSC Anderlecht, Sint-Truiden (loan)
Transfer Fee: €10 million (2025)
Keisuke Goto’s summer 2025 arrival from RSC Anderlecht for €10 million was Freiburg’s marquee signing of the transfer window. The 21-year-old Japanese striker spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Sint-Truiden, scoring 13 goals and providing eight assists in 40 appearances. Goto stands 1.91 metres tall, possesses a bold, fearless style of play, and has a keen instinct for attacking space and operating in the penalty area. Goto’s contract runs through 2030, with Freiburg viewing him as a long-term striking solution .
5. Jan-Niklas Beste
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: 1. FC Heidenheim, Benfica
Transfer Fee: €4 million (2025)
Jan-Niklas Beste’s summer 2025 arrival from Benfica added German wide quality, crossing, and set-piece delivery to Freiburg’s attacking options. The 27-year-old’s finishing (5 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (4 assists) provide functional depth. Beste’s contract runs through 2029 .
6. Maximilian Philipp
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: SC Freiburg (first spell), Borussia Dortmund, VfL Wolfsburg
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2025)
Maximilian Philipp’s return to Freiburg in summer 2025, following his free transfer from VfL Wolfsburg, added German attacking depth and experience to the squad where he began his professional career. The 33-year-old’s finishing (4 goals in 2025/26) provides functional depth. Philipp’s contract runs through 2028 .
7. Junior Adamu
Nationality: Austrian (Nigerian descent)
Former Clubs: FC Red Bull Salzburg
Transfer Fee: €9 million (2024)
Junior Adamu has provided forward depth following his arrival from Red Bull Salzburg, the Austrian international offering pace, finishing, and physicality. The 24-year-old’s finishing (3 goals in 2025/26) provides functional depth. Adamu’s contract runs through 2029 .
8. Derry Scherhant
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Hertha BSC
Transfer Fee: €3 million (2025)
Derry Scherhant’s summer 2025 arrival from Hertha BSC added German wide depth and pace to Freiburg’s attack. The 24-year-old’s finishing (2 goals in 2025/26 in limited minutes) provides functional depth. Scherhant’s contract runs through 2029 .
9. Cyriaque Irié
Nationality: Burkinabé
Former Clubs: SC Freiburg academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Cyriaque Irié has emerged as a promising wide forward following his graduation from Freiburg’s academy, the 22-year-old Burkinabé providing pace, dribbling, and potential. Irié’s contract runs through 2029 .
Conclusion
Freiburg’s 2025/26 squad represents the most expensively assembled group in the club’s history, a testament to Julian Schuster’s patient rebuilding, the recruitment team’s intelligence (Goto, Matanovic, Backhaus), and the academy’s continued production (Atubolu, Makengo, Manzambi). The defence, anchored by Matthias Ginter’s German international experience and Philipp Lienhart’s Austrian composure, provides platform for Freiburg’s possession-based, organised system. The midfield, dominated by Maximilian Eggestein’s passing and Nicolas Höfler’s veteran leadership, controls matches through pressing, discipline, and tactical intelligence. The attack, headlined by Vincenzo Grifo’s Italian creativity and the promising Keisuke Goto’s Japanese finishing, carries sufficient goal threat to secure European qualification. Crucially, Freiburg has balanced immediate competitiveness with long-term planning; Atubolu, Goto, Matanovic, and Manzambi represent the club’s future while contributing immediately. The looming challenge involves maintaining European qualification (Europa League) despite competing with financially superior clubs—and replacing the legendary influence of Christian Streich, whose 29-year tenure cast a long shadow over the club. Yet the Europa-Park Stadion’s passionate, family-oriented atmosphere provides emotional fuel. Freiburg no longer surprises opponents; they are respected, studied, and established as a genuine Bundesliga force. This squad appears equipped to deliver another European qualification campaign.
