Seventy-three graduates of the SC Freiburg youth academy have reached the club's first team since its foundation 25 years ago. The anniversary coincides with a period where homegrown talents are central to the team's success, currently sitting top of the Bundesliga.

An average of ten academy products feature in the professional squad each season, a figure that has been in double digits for six consecutive campaigns. Nine current squad members who have propelled Freiburg to first place came through the club's own ranks, including key players like Matthias Ginter, Noah Atubolu and Nicolas Höfler. This productive output was recognised last season when Freiburg ranked third in Europe's top five leagues for minutes played by homegrown players, ahead of clubs like FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The first player to make the journey from the academy to the first team was Sascha Riether. The most recent additions are Rouven Tarnutzer and Karl Steinmann, currently on loan at Hannover 96. Not every path is direct. Players like Philipp Treu or Yannik Engelhardt returned after spells elsewhere, while Nicolas Höfler and Berkay Yilmaz went out on loan. Others, such as Robin Fellhauer, forged careers at other clubs and now play in the Bundesliga.

A recent pinnacle was the Europa League final on 20 May 2026 in Istanbul against Aston Villa. Eight players with a Freiburg academy background were in the matchday squad. Christian Günter, Matthias Ginter, Noah Atubolu, Johan Manzambi, Nicolas Höfler and Philipp Treu started, with Jordy Makengo and Max Rosenfelder coming off the bench. A further ten coaches and staff members on the touchline and in the stands were also academy alumni.

Andreas Steiert, head of the football school, highlights the "exceptional cooperation we have developed over the years". Its sporting leader Martin Schweizer describes a process that "should proceed carefully and step by step". This philosophy is embodied in careers like that of Christian Günter, who progressed from the U14s through all youth teams and the reserves to become a record appearance maker and European finalist. Kevin Schade also chose to continue his development in Freiburg in 2018 despite other offers, as did Johan Manzambi, who joined the U19s in 2023. Both are now professionals in the English Premier League.

The current strength of the team, leading the Bundesliga with nine points from three games, is a direct result of this work. In their last match, a 5-0 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach, academy graduates Yannick Engelhardt and Matthias Ginter were among the goals and assists. The full squad list shows this deep-rooted connection. The next challenge for the in-form side, who have won their last five competitive games, is away to ninth-placed Eintracht Frankfurt on 19 September. All upcoming fixtures are available online. The academy's jubilee weekend, featuring an open day at the Möslestadion, takes place on 26 and 27 September.

Further reading: SC Freiburg