FSV Mainz 05 Team News - Soccer

Silvan Widmer - Little impact but active in attack Widmer had four crosses (one accurate) and four clearances in Thursday's 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Impact Widmer came into the side at right back at the expense of Denis Zakaria after starting the opening game on the bench. He had the fewest touches of any Swiss defender and completed just 20 passes as Switzerland's attacking play was channeled more through Ricardo Rodriguez and Dan Ndoye on the opposite flank. However he was far from inactive, making several runs into dangerous areas and getting into the opposition box on multiple occasions, though he was unable to turn that into a shot or a chance created.

16 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Lee Jae-sung - Logs 57 minutes, wins three tackles Lee logged four tackles (three won) across 57 minutes during South Korea's 1-0 loss Thursday at Mexico.

Impact Up until Lee's 57th-minute substitution, South Korea struggled to generate any offense, which indicates why his best production is from defense. It was great nonetheless, as even with his limited time, he logged Korea's most tackles won. But when it comes to an attacking substitution, which was also done against the Czech Republic, Lee is Korea's odd man out, even over a struggling Heung-Min Son. Once again, he was replaced by Hwang Hee-Chan, this time against Mexico. Unless the aforementioned Lee impacts early, his upside will be limited by being Korea's first departing attacker.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Stefan Posch - Avoids surgery for jaw fracture Posch (jaw) has been confirmed with a fractured jaw following a CT scan after the injury sustained during the opening group stage victory over Jordan, with surgery not currently de...

Impact Posch's diagnosis is more encouraging than initially feared after coach Ralf Rangnick had suggested a broken jaw could rule him out for the remainder of the tournament, and the absence of a surgical requirement gives Austria hope that their right-back could return sooner than expected. A specially designed mouthguard is being manufactured to support the healing process, leaving open the possibility of him featuring in the next group stage clash against Argentina. His availability for that fixture will depend on how quickly the mouthguard can be produced and how he responds to wearing it in training, with Konrad Laimer and Alexander Prass remaining on standby should he be unable to feature.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Stefan Posch - Could miss rest of World Cup Posch (face) sustained a facial injury during a duel in the closing stages of Austria's opening 3-1 victory over Jordan and could miss the remainder of the World Cup, according to...

Impact Posch is set to undergo an X-ray on Wednesday to determine the exact nature and severity of the injury, with the results set to be decisive in establishing his availability for the remainder of the competition. The right-back's potential absence would be a significant blow for Austria heading into their next group stage clash against Argentina, with Konrad Laimer and Alexander Prass among the options to cover his position should he be unable to continue. The coaching staff will wait for the medical assessment before making any decisions on his involvement going forward.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Philipp Mwene - Three crosses across 59 minutes Mwene logged three crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created during Tuesday's 3-1 win against Jordan.

Impact Austria's starting formation included four defenders, including Mwene at left-back. Among his three crosses, the majority of them were during a one-minute span, when he was most impactful Tuesday. Even though the left flank is where Austria's team spent most of its offense, proven playmaker Marcel Sabitzer also being stationed there means Mwene may be unable to maximize his chance-creating opportunities. With the game level 1-1 just before an hour, Austria manager Ralf Rangnick opted to undergo a triple substitution, which included Paul Wanner replacing Mwene.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Stefan Posch - Hectic night against Jordan Posch logged two shots (zero on goal), four clearances and three interceptions during Tuesday's 3-1 win against Jordan.

Impact Pushing for a starter role before the World Cup, Posch earned what he wanted, though not at center-back. The defender started at right-back, a role he held for Como but not with Mainz earlier this season. Posch suffered much growing pains offensively, with wild shots, an incidental case of head-to-head contact and a disallowed goal defining his effort. Nonetheless, he mostly made his opportunity work defensively. Against the Jordan team, Posch is Austria's only player to have logged both four-plus clearances and more than two interceptions.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Silas Katompa Mvumpa - Signs contract extension with Mainz Silas signed a contract extension with Mainz after the club chose not to activate an existing clause following his injury, opting instead to find a more mutually beneficial arrange...

Impact Silas suffered a double fracture of the tibia and fibula during the Conference League round of 16 first leg against Sigma Olomouc in early March, bringing a premature end to what had been an impressive campaign up to that point. The Congolese forward had contributed one goal across eight Bundesliga appearances before the injury struck, with sporting director Niko Bungert describing his performances as excellent prior to the setback.

3 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Kaishu Sano - Goes full 90 minutes Sano had two tackles (one won) and one interception in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Netherlands.

Impact Sano was one of the few midfielders to play the full 90 minutes on Sunday, finishing with two tackles, four recoveries, and one interception against the Netherlands. Offensively, he showed some promise with an 81 percent pass accuracy, though he offered little impact in the final third. His strength is typically in the physical side of the game as he averaged around a 93 percent aerial duel success rate with Mainz this season. He wasn't able to replicate that Sunday, winning just one of five attempts. Overall, his value remains tied to defensive volume rather than attacking output for Japan.

5 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Fabio Gruber - Signs for Mainz Gruber has joined Mainz from Nurnberg, with the 23-year-old Peruvian international center-back making the step up to the Bundesliga after an impressive spell in the second division...

Impact Gruber made 41 second division appearances for Nurnberg since January 2025 including 38 full 90-minute outings, serving as club captain and demonstrating the leadership qualities that have defined his career at each club he has represented, having also worn the armband at third-division side SC Verl. Sporting director Niko Bungert praised his physicality, technical quality and top character, describing him as a young defender with impressive leadership credentials despite his age. Gruber expressed his excitement at the prospect of playing in the Bundesliga for the first time, highlighting his positive early conversations with coach Urs Fischer as a key factor in his decision to join Mainz.

JUNE 12 • ROTOWIRE

Lee Jae-sung - Three chances created in 62 minutes Lee logged two shots (one on goal) and three chances created in Thursday's 2-1 win against the Czech Republic.

Impact Alongside fellow attacker Lee Kang-in, Lee is among only two players who created more than that many chances for Korea Republic. Not long after an hour, he was replaced by Hwang Hee-Chan. The team's recent history has always included either uncertainty on how to operate or a position logjam up front, with Lee having been one to sacrifice for the likes of Hwang, Lee Kang-in and Son Heung-Min. For now, this World Cup looks no different, a continued course of action that would cap Lee's statistical upside. Either way, Lee will look to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 World Cup that saw him lacking any threat in front of goal across three appearances.

JUNE 11 • ROTOWIRE

Stefan Posch - Pushing for starter role Posch has been named in Austria's World Cup squad and is expected to provide competition and depth in the defensive positions, with a potential starting role if called upon by mana...

Impact Posch ended the season having been a reliable presence at Mainz in the Bundesliga, contributing his characteristic defensive solidity and physical presence at right-back in a campaign that has kept him in manager Rangnick's regular international thinking. The right-back brings Bundesliga experience, the ability to press from the back and a competitive quality that has made him a consistent international presence, and his familiarity with the coaching staff's demands gives him a genuine opportunity if called upon. Posch heads into the World Cup ready to take his chance and demonstrate that he belongs among the starting options for Austria.

JUNE 5 • ROTOWIRE

Philipp Mwene - Versatile left wing-back Mwene has been named in Austria's World Cup squad and is expected to provide coach Rangnick with a dynamic and versatile option on the left flank capable of operating in multiple d...

Impact Mwene ended the season having been a regular presence for Mainz in the Bundesliga, contributing one goal and five assists in 29 appearances with his characteristic energy and ability to contribute both defensively and as an overlapping outlet that gives Austria width on the left side. The midfielder brings the experience of having been a reliable international presence across multiple tournaments and the tactical intelligence to fit into manager Rangnick's demanding system without compromising the defensive structure. Mwene heads into the World Cup as one of Austria's most trusted defensive options, with his versatility making him invaluable as a player capable of filling multiple roles.

JUNE 5 • ROTOWIRE

Lee Jae-sung - Valuable rotational option Jae-Sung has been named in South Korea's squad for the World Cup and is in contention for minutes after playing a backup role in the last friendly games.

Impact Jae-Sung was in and out of the starting lineup for his country in recent international matches, but he remains one of the squad's most experienced midfielders and should still play a role in the tournament. The veteran is capable of operating in multiple midfield positions while providing creativity between the lines, so he may contend with Kim Jin-Gyu and Lee Kang-In for playing time in holding midfield and No. 10 spots, respectively. The Mainz player can also contribute on set pieces, giving him additional fantasy appeal beyond open-play production. His versatility and experience make him a useful option even if he doesn't start every match. He was an important element of the team's offense in the qualifying rounds, tallying five goals and two assists across 14 matches played.

JUNE 3 • ROTOWIRE

Silvan Widmer - Set to start at right-back Widmer has been named in Switzerland's World Cup squad and is expected to start at right-back under coach Murat Yakin, arriving at the tournament after a solid campaign with Mainz...

Impact Widmer contributed two goals and one assist alongside 40 tackles across 27 appearances this season, providing the attacking and defensive output expected of a modern full-back at the highest level. His ability to get forward and contribute in the final third while maintaining his defensive responsibilities makes him a well-rounded option on the right side of the Swiss backline, and his Bundesliga experience gives him the physical and tactical preparation needed to perform in a demanding tournament environment. Widmer is a reliable and experienced option for manager Murat Yakin on the right flank, bringing familiarity with the national team's system and the composure to deliver consistent performances under pressure.

JUNE 3 • ROTOWIRE

Kaishu Sano - Another decent option in midfield Sano has been named in Japan's World Cup squad and is expected to compete for a starting role in the midfield throughout the competition under coach Hajime Moriyasu.

Impact Sano made 48 appearances for Mainz across all competitions this season, contributing two goals and five assists while providing the defensive solidity and pressing intensity that has made him one of the most consistent Japanese midfielders in European football over the past two seasons. Sano's energy, ball-winning ability and intelligent positioning give Japan a compact and difficult-to-play-through midfield presence that complements the more creative players around him, and his Bundesliga experience gives him the credentials to perform under pressure at international level. Sano heads into the World Cup as an important midfield option for manager Moriyasu and a player who could play a key role in Japan's efforts to progress beyond the group stage.

JUNE 2 • ROTOWIRE

Ransford Konigsdorffer - Moves to Mainz Konigsdorffer has completed a transfer to Mainz from Hamburger, according to his new club.

Impact Konigsdorffer is switching teams this offseason but will remain in Germany, as the forward signs with Mainz for the foreseeable future. This comes after a decently successful first season in the Bundesliga in the 2025/26 season with Hamburger, notching five goals in 33 appearances (29 starts). That said, a starting role likely won't follow to Mainz, although he should see some opportunities to win over the spot, with Phillip Tietz as his main rival at forward.

MAY 20 • ROTOWIRE

Eric Martel - Moves to Mainz Martel has completed a transfer to Mainz from Koln, according to his new club.

Impact Martel is on the move this offseason but won't go far, transferring to Mainz in a move from one German club to another. This comes after the midfielder was a regular starter for Koln during the 2025/26 campaign in their return to the Bundesliga, starting in 30 of his 31 appearances. He would also score two goals and two assists, showing some decent value at only age 24. This will add another contender to a decently young Mainz midfield, giving them a bit more depth and versatility in the middle of the pitch.

MAY 19 • ROTOWIRE

Kaishu Sano - Records one shot Sano registered one shot (one on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 victory over FC Heidenheim.

Impact Sano ends his season on a three-match streak without a goal contribution, not seeing his best efforts Saturday with only one shot and a chance created. That said, it wasn't the most productive second season in Mainz for the midfielder, although better than his first with the club, notching one goal and two assists in 34 appearances.

MAY 18 • ROTOWIRE

Kacper Potulski - Starts in season finale Potulski had three shots (two on goal) in Saturday's 2-0 victory over FC Heidenheim.

Impact Potulski earned the start Saturday as the young 18-year-old tries to enter the squad more frequently, playing the full 90. This marks his second start in the final three games of the season, adding to his nine start sin 15 appearances this campaign. Moving into the 2026/27 season, more time should come, recording 15 tackles won, 18 interceptions and 73 clearances this campaign.

MAY 18 • ROTOWIRE

Nadiem Amiri - Nets goal Amiri scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal), four crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 2-0 victory against FC Heidenheim.

Impact Amiri ended his season in great fashion after being one of the club's more productive players this season, scoring the second goal in Saturday's match. This brings the midfielder to an outstanding 12 goals on the season, earning that on 55 shots. He also added two assists on 63 chances created in 26 appearances (24 starts) this season.

MAY 18 • ROTOWIRE

Phillip Tietz - Goal and assist Tietz scored one goal and assisted once from two shots and two chances created in Saturday's 2-0 victory over FC Heidenheim. He was injured and subbed out in the 84th minute.

Impact Tietz had a very productive day against Heidernheim, as the forward would record a goal in the seventh minute to open the scoring. However, that was not all, as he would also assist on Nadiem Amiri's 43rd-minute goal, helping on both goals Saturday. Tietz ends the season with eight goal contributions, earning five goals on 46 shots and three assists on 18 chances created in 19 appearances (19 starts).

MAY 18 • ROTOWIRE

Daniel Batz - Clean sheet against Heidenheim Batz recorded five saves and allowed zero goals in Saturday's 2-0 victory over FC Heidenheim.

Impact Batz had a great end to the season Saturday as he stopped all five shots he faced, earning a clean sheet in the process. This is his first clean sheet in six appearances, ending the campaign with four in 21 appearances. He is now set for a move to Monchengladbach after recording a season with 70 saves, 27 goals allowed and four clean sheets.

MAY 18 • ROTOWIRE

Daniel Batz - Signs with Monchengladbach Batz signed with Borussia Monchengladbach on a free transfer from Mainz, agreeing to a contract through 2028, according to his new club.

Impact Batz established himself as Mainz's first-choice goalkeeper this season after four appearances across his first two seasons at the club, going on to start 21 Bundesliga and six Conference League matches. The 34-year-old spent the majority of his career in the lower divisions of German football before making his mark at Saarbrucken, where he made 217 appearances over six years and notably saved five penalties in a single DFB-Pokal shootout against Fortuna Dusseldorf in 2020. Sporting director Rouven Schroder described him as not only a very good goalkeeper but also a strong personality on and off the pitch, underlining the club's confidence in the signing heading into next season.

MAY 18 • ROTOWIRE

St. Pauli and Heidenheim relegated on Bundesliga's last day

St. Pauli and Heidenheim have been relegated from the Bundesliga while Wolfsburg grabbed the last chance for survival on a dramatic last day of the season

MAY 16 • Associated Press

Danny da Costa - Option off bench da Costa (head) is on the bench for Saturday's season finale against Heidenheim.

Impact da Costa returned to full contact training Friday after being restricted to non-contact sessions throughout the week following the head injury that forced him off after just 15 minutes of last Sunday's clash against Union Berlin. Coach Urs Fischer had offered a cautiously optimistic assessment, noting nothing serious had emerged, and the coaching and medical staff cleared him for a place in the squad after consulting ahead of the final fixture. The club opted to manage his return carefully with a bench role rather than throwing him straight back into the starting lineup given the nature of the injury.

MAY 16 • ROTOWIRE

FSV MAINZ 05 NEWS

NEWS

SCHEDULE

STANDINGS

ROSTER

VIDEOS

STATS

ODDS

St. Pauli and Heidenheim relegated on Bundesliga's last day