PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Waldemar Anton |
| Date of Birth | 20 July 1996 (Age: 29) |
| Place of Birth | Olmaliq, Uzbekistan |
| Nationality | German |
| Height | 1.89 m / 6 ft 2 in |
| Weight | 86 kg |
| Position | Centre-Back |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #3 (Borussia Dortmund), #3 (Germany) |
| Current Club | Borussia Dortmund |
| Previous Clubs | Hannover 96, VfB Stuttgart |
| International Caps | 12+ |
| International Goals | 0 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Market Value | €20M |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup. For Waldemar Anton, it was the culmination of a journey that had taken him from the streets of Olmaliq to the summit of international football. Born in Uzbekistan to Russian-German parents, he had arrived in Germany at age two unable to speak German. Now, he was representing Die Mannschaft on football’s biggest stage.
Anton was named in Germany’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America, selected alongside fellow defenders Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rüdiger, Nico Schlotterbeck, and Jonathan Tah. He featured in four matches at the tournament, accumulating 360 minutes of World Cup football. For a player who had made his senior Germany debut just two years earlier, in March 2024, this was a remarkable ascent.
Origins
Waldemar Anton was born on 20 July 1996 in Olmaliq, Uzbekistan, then part of the former Soviet Union. His parents are Russian-Germans (Spätaussiedler) who moved to Germany with their son in 1998 when he was just two years old. He arrived in his new homeland barely able to speak German but quickly adapted.
His football journey began at age seven with Mühlenberger SV, a local club in Hanover. In 2008, at age twelve, he joined the youth academy of Hannover 96. He progressed through the ranks, and in the 2013-14 season, he reached the final of the German U19 Championship with Hannover’s A-Juniors, though they lost to Schalke 04. The following season, he was named captain of the U19 side.
Off the pitch, Anton balanced football with academics, successfully completing his Abitur (German high school diploma) with advanced courses in Mathematics and Biology.
The Professional Forge
Hannover 96 (2015-2020):
Anton was promoted to the Hannover 96 first team for the 2015-16 season alongside Noah Sarenren Bazee and Niklas Feierabend. He made his Bundesliga debut on the 23rd matchday under Thomas Schaaf, coming on as a substitute in a 2-1 away win at VfB Stuttgart. He would go on to make eight league appearances that season.
The 2016-17 season saw Anton establish himself as a regular under Daniel Stendel, who had previously coached him in the U19s. He played a key role as Hannover secured promotion back to the Bundesliga as runners-up in the 2. Bundesliga.
In August 2018, newly appointed manager André Breitenreiter named Anton as club captain. At just 22 years old, he became the youngest captain in the Bundesliga at that time. He played every minute of every Bundesliga match in the 2018-19 season. However, Hannover were relegated back to the 2. Bundesliga, and Anton was replaced as captain by Marvin Bakalorz in March 2019, a decision Anton later described as a “relief.”
VfB Stuttgart (2020-2024):
On 28 July 2020, Anton signed for VfB Stuttgart, returning to the Bundesliga. He quickly established himself as a defensive leader, becoming an ever-present in the backline. He signed a contract extension in November 2021, and in the summer of 2023, head coach Sebastian Hoeneß named him captain of the side.
The 2023-24 season was transformative. Anton anchored a defence that, alongside RB Leipzig, conceded the second-fewest goals in the Bundesliga. He was rated “national class” by kicker, ranking sixth among centre-backs in the league at the halfway point. Stuttgart finished the season as Bundesliga runners-up, securing Champions League football for the first time in 14 years.
Borussia Dortmund (2024-Present):
In July 2024, Anton made a high-profile move within the Bundesliga, joining Borussia Dortmund on a four-year contract. Dortmund had reacted to the departure of Mats Hummels, and Anton was seen as a direct replacement. He signed a contract until 2028.
In his first two seasons at Dortmund, Anton made more than 80 appearances across all competitions. In the 2025-26 season, he made 32 Bundesliga appearances, all of them starts, playing every minute of every league match (2,880 minutes). He scored two goals and provided three assists. In the DFB-Pokal, he made three appearances and scored once. His Bundesliga statistics for the season included 193 clearances, demonstrating his defensive reliability. He also made nine Champions League appearances, scoring one goal.
The Anatomy of His Game
Anton is a right-footed centre-back defined by his physicality, leadership, and reliability. At 1.89 metres, he is an imposing presence in the defensive third.
In Possession:
Anton is a composed passer who contributes to build-up play. In the 2025-26 Bundesliga season, he recorded two goals and three assists in league play. He has accumulated 13 goals and 10 assists across his entire 326-match league career.
Out of Possession:
Anton’s game is built on defensive solidity. He recorded 193 clearances in the 2025-26 Bundesliga season. Over his top-five league career, he has accumulated 48 clean sheets, 43 blocked shots, and 386 clearances. His duel success rate is a key asset; in the 2025-26 season, he won 182 duels and lost 107, with an aerial duel record of 83 wins and 56 losses. His physicality and reading of the game make him a reliable last line of defence.
Psychological Edge:
Anton’s leadership is one of his defining characteristics. He has been captain at both Hannover 96 and VfB Stuttgart, demonstrating his ability to lead teams through pressure situations. He is also a versatile player, capable of playing as a defensive midfielder as well as centre-back. His journey from Uzbekistan to the German national team reflects resilience and adaptability.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bundesliga | 32 | 32 | 2,880 | 2 | 3 | 7 |
| DFB-Pokal | 3 | 3 | 300 | 1 | 0 | — |
| UEFA Champions League | 9 | 9 | — | 1 | 0 | — |
| FIFA World Cup | 4 | 4 | 360 | 0 | 0 | — |
| TOTAL | 48 | 48 | 3,540+ | 4 | 3 | — |
TABLE B: Career (League Only)
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hannover 96 II | 2015-2016 | 11 | 1 |
| Hannover 96 | 2015-2020 | 130 | 5 |
| VfB Stuttgart | 2020-2024 | 127 | 3 |
| Borussia Dortmund | 2024-Present | 58 | 4 |
| TOTAL | — | 326 | 13 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany U21 | 11 | 0 | U21 Euro Winner (2017), Runner-up (2019) |
| Germany Senior | 12+ | 0 | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 4 | 0 | — |
| UEFA Euro 2024 | 2 | 0 | — |
TABLE D: Major Trophy Honours
| Competition | Titles Won |
|---|---|
| UEFA European Under-21 Championship | 1 (2017) |
| Bundesliga Runner-up | 2 (2016/17 2.BL, 2023/24) |
What these figures reveal is a player who has been a model of consistency throughout his career. His 326 league appearances across three Bundesliga clubs demonstrate reliability, while his 58 top-flight goals and assists reflect his contribution to both defensive and attacking phases. His 2025-26 season, where he played every minute of every Bundesliga match, is a testament to his durability.
The Present Tense
Waldemar Anton is 29 years old and at the peak of his career. He is a defensive cornerstone for Borussia Dortmund and a World Cup squad member for Germany.
The Dortmund Story:
Anton joined Borussia Dortmund in July 2024 and has become a mainstay in the club’s defence. He has made more than 80 appearances across all competitions in his first two seasons. In the 2025-26 season, he started every Bundesliga match, playing all 2,880 minutes. He also contributed two goals and three assists. His contract with Dortmund runs until 2028.
The World Cup Campaign:
Anton was selected in Germany’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, named alongside Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rüdiger, Nico Schlotterbeck, and Jonathan Tah in defence. He featured in four matches at the tournament, accumulating 360 minutes of play. Germany competed in Group E alongside Curaçao, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ecuador.
International Record:
Anton has earned more than 12 caps for the German senior national team since his debut in March 2024. He was called up for UEFA Euro 2024, making two appearances. He previously represented Germany at U21 level, winning the European Championship in 2017 and finishing as runner-up in 2019. He was eligible to play for Germany, Russia, or Uzbekistan but chose Germany.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Anton’s story is one of multicultural identity and academic achievement. Born in Uzbekistan to Russian-German parents, he moved to Germany at age two and had to learn the language from scratch. His eligibility to play for Germany, Russia, or Uzbekistan was a topic of discussion early in his career—the Uzbekistan Football Federation approached him in 2017, but he firmly declined. He expressed openness to representing Russia if approached, but the Russian Football Union never contacted him.
Despite his football career, Anton prioritised his education, completing his Abitur with advanced courses in Mathematics and Biology. His parents, both Russian-Germans who migrated as late repatriates, instilled in him a strong work ethic.
His leadership has been recognised at every club he has represented. He was named captain of Hannover 96 at 22, the youngest captain in the Bundesliga at the time, and later served as captain of VfB Stuttgart. His leadership qualities have been praised by teammates and coaches alike.
The Verdict from the Camp
BVB Official Profile:
“Waldemar Anton stands for reliability, physicality, and leadership. He has developed into a key player in Dortmund’s defence.”
Sebastian Hoeneß, Former VfB Stuttgart Head Coach:
Hoeneß named Anton captain of Stuttgart in 2023, trusting him to lead the team’s defensive unit during their historic Bundesliga runner-up campaign.
Waldemar Anton:
“I had originally not planned to leave the club—but then Borussia Dortmund came. All those responsible gave me the feeling from the start that they urgently wanted to sign me and that I could and should take on an important role.”
Where Next?
Waldemar Anton is 29 years old and at the peak of his career. He is a key defender for Borussia Dortmund and a World Cup squad member for Germany. His contract with Dortmund runs until 2028, ensuring his future at the club.
For Germany, Anton represents defensive depth and reliability. With more than 12 caps and experience at both Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup, he has established himself as a dependable option at centre-back. At 29, he has many years ahead of him and could become a long-term fixture in the German defence.
From Olmaliq to Hannover, from Stuttgart to Dortmund, and from the youth academies to the World Cup, Waldemar Anton’s journey is a story of adaptability, determination, and achievement. The boy who arrived in Germany unable to speak the language is now a World Cup player—and a defensive cornerstone of German football.
