The 2025/26 season finds TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in a state of determined rebuilding under the guidance of Pellegrino Matarazzo, the German-American manager who took the helm in 2023 and has steadily restored the club’s reputation for developing young talent. Die Kraichgauer, playing in the picturesque Rhein-Neckar-Arena in Sinsheim, have moved past the turbulent post-Julian Nagelsmann years and re-established themselves as a consistent top-half Bundesliga side. The club’s famous academy and recruitment network continue to unearth gems from across the globe, with a particular focus on Scandinavian and Eastern European markets. This season’s squad blends experienced Bundesliga campaigners with exciting young prospects, all drilled in Matarazzo’s pragmatic, tactically flexible system. The summer transfer window saw the departure of several key figures, but the production line continues to supply ready-made replacements. Below lies an exhaustive examination of Hoffenheim’s first-team roster for 2025/26, organised by position, with each player’s journey, financial details, and stylistic fingerprints dissected thoroughly.
Goalkeepers
1. Oliver Baumann (Captain)
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: SC Freiburg
Transfer Fee: €1 million (2014)
Oliver Baumann has become Hoffenheim’s longest-serving current player and captain, the German veteran providing shot-stopping reliability, leadership, and dressing room continuity across 12 seasons at the club. The 35-year-old’s reflexes (75% save percentage in 2024/25, 74% in 2025/26 to date) and command of the penalty area (87% cross-claiming success) remain reliable. Baumann’s distribution (88% pass completion) is functional. Having started 28 league matches in 2025/26, keeping 10 clean sheets, he remains remarkably durable. Baumann’s contract runs through 2028, with a coaching role likely thereafter.
2. Luca Philipp
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Hoffenheim academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Luca Philipp has accepted a rotational role behind Baumann, 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 (86% pass completion) provide functional cover. Philipp started 10 matches in 2025/26 (cup competitions and Baumann’s rest), keeping 4 clean sheets. Philipp’s contract runs through 2029.
3. Nahuel Noll
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Hoffenheim academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Nahuel Noll has served as emergency third-choice option following development with Hoffenheim’s youth setup. The 22-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Defenders
1. Kevin Akpoguma
Nationality: German (Nigerian descent)
Former Clubs: Karlsruher SC, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2017)
Kevin Akpoguma has become Hoffenheim’s defensive leader, the German-Nigerian defender providing versatility, physicality, and tactical intelligence across eight seasons at the club. The 30-year-old’s versatility across centre-back and right-back offers Matarazzo tactical flexibility. His tackling (2.7 per 90) and interceptions (2.4 per 90) provide defensive security. Akpoguma’s partnership with Ozan Kabak has conceded only 1.15 goals per 90 minutes over the 2025/26 season to date. Akpoguma’s contract runs through 2028.
2. Ozan Kabak
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Galatasaray, VfB Stuttgart, FC Schalke 04, Liverpool
Transfer Fee: €5 million (2024)
Ozan Kabak has become Akpoguma’s long-term partner, the Turkish international centre-back providing physicality, aerial dominance, and tactical discipline following his arrival from Galatasaray. The 25-year-old’s aerial duel success (85%) leads Hoffenheim’s defence. Kabak’s tackling (2.8 per 90) and blocks (1.3 per 90) provide defensive security. Kabak’s contract runs through 2029.
3. David Raum
Nationality: German (covered in RB Leipzig; departed Hoffenheim 2022)
4. Finn Ole Becker
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: FC St. Pauli, Hoffenheim
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Finn Ole Becker has become Hoffenheim’s first-choice left-back, the German defender providing energy, crossing, and defensive diligence following his free transfer from FC St. Pauli. The 26-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.6 per 90) and crossing (37% accuracy) created 3 assists in 2025/26. Becker’s contract runs through 2029.
5. Mërgim Mavraj (no – new signing instead)
Correct player:
Stanley Nsoki
Nationality: French (Congolese descent)
Former Clubs: OGC Nice, Club Brugge, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
Transfer Fee: €5 million (2022)
Stanley Nsoki has provided centre-back depth following his arrival from Club Brugge, the French defender offering physicality and aerial presence. The 26-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
6. Robert Skov
Nationality: Danish
Former Clubs: FC Copenhagen
Transfer Fee: €10 million (2019)
Robert Skov has been deployed primarily as a right-back following his conversion from winger, the Danish international providing crossing, energy, and set-piece delivery. The 29-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.7 per 90) and crossing (38% accuracy) created 4 assists in 2025/26. Skov’s contract runs through 2028.
7. Eduard Quarshie
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Hoffenheim academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Eduard Quarshie has provided centre-back depth following his graduation from Hoffenheim’s youth setup. The 20-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
8. Joshua Quarshie
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Hoffenheim academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Joshua Quarshie has been named among the substitutes in 2025/26, the 19-year-old defender representing the future of Hoffenheim’s defensive depth.
Midfielders
1. Grischa Prömel
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: 1. FC Kaiserslautern, SSV Jahn Regensburg, 1. FC Union Berlin, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
Transfer Fee: €6 million (2022)
Grischa Prömel has become Hoffenheim’s midfield engine and vice-captain, the German midfielder providing energy, tackling, and tactical intelligence across four seasons at the club. The 31-year-old’s tackling (3.3 per 90) and interceptions (2.6 per 90) lead Hoffenheim’s midfield. His work rate (11.8 kilometres per match) and pressing intensity (11.5 pressures per 90) set Matarazzo’s standards. Prömel’s contract runs through 2028.
2. Anton Stach
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: SV Wehen Wiesbaden, 1. FSV Mainz 05
Transfer Fee: €11 million (2022)
Anton Stach has become Hoffenheim’s midfield metronome, the German international providing passing range, physicality, and tactical intelligence across four seasons at the club. The 27-year-old’s passing (5.1 progressive passes per 90, 90% completion) and composure under pressure enable Hoffenheim to build play through midfield. Stach’s contract runs through 2029.
3. Christoph Baumgartner
Nationality: Austrian (covered in RB Leipzig; departed Hoffenheim 2023)
4. Wout Weghorst
Nationality: Dutch
Former Clubs: AZ Alkmaar, VfL Wolfsburg, Burnley, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2025)
Wout Weghorst’s summer 2025 arrival from Burnley added Dutch physicality, aerial presence, and attacking midfield depth to Hoffenheim’s squad. The 33-year-old’s hold-up play (74% success) and finishing (7 goals in 2025/26) provide functional depth. Weghorst’s contract runs through 2028.
5. Diadie Samassékou
Nationality: Malian
Former Clubs: FC Liefering, FC Red Bull Salzburg, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
Transfer Fee: €2 million (2023)
Diadie Samassékou has provided defensive midfield depth following his arrival from Red Bull Salzburg, the Malian international offering tackling and energy. The 29-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
6. Umut Tohumcu
Nationality: German (Turkish descent)
Former Clubs: Hoffenheim academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Umut Tohumcu has emerged as a promising midfield rotation option following his graduation from Hoffenheim’s academy, the 21-year-old providing energy, passing, and tactical discipline. Tohumcu’s contract runs through 2029.
7. Dženis Burnić
Nationality: German (Bosnian descent)
Former Clubs: Borussia Dortmund II, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Dženis Burnić has provided emergency midfield depth following his free transfer from Borussia Dortmund II. The 27-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
8. Paul Herrmann
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Hoffenheim academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Paul Herrmann has been named among the substitutes in 2025/26, the 19-year-old midfielder representing the future of Hoffenheim’s midfield depth.
Forwards
1. Andrej Kramarić
Nationality: Croatian
Former Clubs: Dinamo Zagreb, Leicester City, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
Transfer Fee: €10 million (2016)
Andrej Kramarić has become Hoffenheim’s all-time leading goalscorer and attacking talisman, the Croatian international providing finishing, creativity, and leadership across ten seasons at the club. The 34-year-old’s finishing (15 goals in 2025/26) and conversion rate (26%) provide consistent scoring threat. Kramarić’s creativity (8 assists) and link-up play make him invaluable. Kramarić’s contract runs through 2028, with a coaching role likely thereafter.
2. Ihlas Bebou
Nationality: Togolese (German-born)
Former Clubs: Fortuna Düsseldorf, Hannover 96, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
Transfer Fee: €10 million (2019)
Ihlas Bebou has provided wide and striking depth following his long service, the Togolese forward providing pace, dribbling, and work rate. The 31-year-old’s finishing (7 goals in 2025/26) provides functional depth. Bebou’s contract runs through 2028.
3. Maximilian Beier
Nationality: German (covered in Borussia Dortmund; departed Hoffenheim 2024)
4. Marius Bülter
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: 1. FC Magdeburg, 1. FC Union Berlin, FC Schalke 04, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
Transfer Fee: €4 million (2024)
Marius Bülter has provided wide depth following his arrival from Schalke 04, the German winger offering energy, crossing, and work rate. The 32-year-old’s finishing (5 goals in 2025/26) provides functional depth. Bülter’s contract runs through 2028.
5. Mergim Berisha
Nationality: German (Kosovan descent)
Former Clubs: FC Red Bull Salzburg, Fenerbahçe (loan), TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
Transfer Fee: €6 million (2023)
Mergim Berisha’s Hoffenheim career has been disrupted by injuries, yet the German-Kosovan striker provides emergency depth when fit. The 27-year-old’s finishing (3 goals in 2025/26 in limited minutes) provides functional depth. Berisha’s contract runs through 2028.
6. Fisnik Asllani
Nationality: German (Kosovan descent)
Former Clubs: TSG 1899 Hoffenheim academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Fisnik Asllani has emerged as a promising striker option following his graduation from Hoffenheim’s academy, the 21-year-old providing finishing and physicality. Asllani’s contract runs through 2029.
7. Adam Hložek
Nationality: Czech
Former Clubs: Sparta Prague, Bayer Leverkusen
Transfer Fee: €12 million (2025)
Adam Hložek’s summer 2025 arrival from Bayer Leverkusen added Czech creativity, dribbling, and attacking versatility to Hoffenheim’s squad. The 23-year-old’s finishing (6 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (5 assists) provide functional depth. Hložek’s contract runs through 2029.
8. Max Moerstedt
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: TSG 1899 Hoffenheim academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Max Moerstedt has been named among the substitutes in 2025/26, the 19-year-old forward representing the future of Hoffenheim’s attacking depth.
Conclusion
Hoffenheim’s 2025/26 squad represents the most resilient and tactically flexible group assembled since the Nagelsmann era, a testament to Pellegrino Matarazzo’s pragmatic coaching, the recruitment team’s intelligence (Stach, Kabak, Hložek), and the academy’s continued production (Tohumcu, Asllani, Quarshie). The defence, anchored by Kevin Akpoguma’s German versatility and Ozan Kabak’s Turkish physicality, provides platform for Hoffenheim’s pragmatic, transitional system. The midfield, dominated by Grischa Prömel’s energy and Anton Stach’s German composure, controls matches through pressing, disruption, and tactical discipline. The attack, headlined by Andrej Kramarić’s Croatian finishing and Wout Weghorst’s Dutch physicality, carries sufficient goal threat to secure European qualification. Crucially, Hoffenheim has balanced immediate competitiveness with financial sustainability; Stach, Kabak, and Hložek represent significant resale value while contributing immediately. The looming challenge involves maintaining European qualification despite competing with financially superior clubs—and developing young talents for profitable sales while remaining competitive. Yet the Rhein-Neckar-Arena’s growing atmosphere provides emotional fuel. Hoffenheim no longer surprises opponents; they are respected as a consistent top-half Bundesliga side. This squad appears equipped to deliver another European qualification campaign.
