SC Freiburg Team News - Soccer

Rihito Yamamoto - Still needs time to build up Yamamoto (undisclosed) remains in an individualized buildup program at Freiburg and has yet to feature in any official preseason friendly, with a competitive debut still some way o...

Impact Yamamoto took part in an internal training match early in preseason before the increased physical load led to a reaction that has kept him sidelined since. Yamamoto is expected to eventually offer Freiburg options both as a central midfielder and in a more advanced role, potentially as a long-term fit for the spot vacated by Johan Manzambi's move to Aston Villa. His involvement in Thursday's Conference League playoff opener looks unlikely given where his physical buildup currently stands.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Florian Muller - Starts in goal Saturday Muller (foot) is in the starting XI for Saturday's friendly against Strasbourg, according to the club.

Impact Muller's return to the starting XI is an encouraging sign after being forced off in the closing stages of the earlier friendly against Derby County with a left foot injury. His involvement confirms that setback was not serious, positioning him to continue building toward the new season after signing a contract extension with the club back in February.

AUGUST 8 • ROTOWIRE

Eren Dinkci - Dealing with thigh discomfort Dinkci missed Freiburg's 3-0 friendly loss to Greuther Furth due to thigh problems and was left out of the squad entirely, according to Kicker.

Impact Dinkci finished last season split between Freiburg and a loan spell at Heidenheim, contributing three goals and one assist across 14 appearances in the second half of the campaign, adding to eight appearances in the first half with Freiburg. His absence from this friendly is a new development to monitor as he looks to establish his role heading into the new season back at Freiburg.

AUGUST 1 • ROTOWIRE

Jordy Makengo - Fully fit, plays 60 minutes Makengo (undisclosed) has fully recovered and played 60 minutes in Freiburg's 3-0 loss to Greuther Furth, according to the club.

Impact Makengo had been forced off in the final quarter of last week's friendly against Derby County with an undisclosed issue, and his workload against Furth confirms he has overcome the injury after closing out last season with 52 clearances, 33 crosses, 22 tackles, 10 blocked shots and 15 interceptions across 20 Bundesliga appearances, underscoring his defensive value to the side. His return is an encouraging sign as Freiburg continues its preseason preparations, and Makengo is expected to keep building up his match fitness as it progresses.

JULY 31 • ROTOWIRE

Jordy Makengo - Forced off in friendly Makengo (undisclosed) was forced off in the final quarter of Friday's preseason friendly against Derby County, with the nature of the issue not immediately clear.

Impact Makengo finished last season with 52 clearances, 33 crosses, 22 tackles, 10 blocked shots and 15 interceptions across 20 Bundesliga appearances, underscoring his defensive value to the side. His withdrawal comes alongside fellow injured teammate Florian Muller (foot) from the same match, and further details on the nature and severity of his issue should emerge as Freiburg continues its preseason preparations.

JULY 24 • ROTOWIRE

Florian Muller - Forced off with foot injury Muller was forced off in the closing stages of Friday's preseason friendly against Derby County after injuring his left foot.

Impact Muller had been scheduled to play the second 60 minutes of the match after Mio Backhaus started, and the injury cuts short his preseason involvement after he signed a contract extension with the club back in February. He has made 47 appearances for Freiburg across his two spells at the club, and further details on the severity of the foot issue will be needed before his timeline for a return becomes clear.

JULY 24 • ROTOWIRE

Yannick Engelhardt - Rejoins Freiburg from Como Engelhardt has completed a transfer to SC Freiburg from Como 1907, marking a return to the club where he previously spent time from 2021 to 2023, according to the club.

Impact Engelhardt made 33 appearances as a regular starter for Borussia Monchengladbach last season during a loan spell from Como, and previously made 26 Serie A appearances for Como in 2024/25 after 37 appearances at Fortuna Dusseldorf, where he narrowly missed promotion to the Bundesliga in the playoff. During his earlier stint at Freiburg, he made 54 third division appearances for the club's U23 side, and the 25 year old midfielder will wear the number 16 shirt as he begins the next chapter of his career back at the club.

JULY 18 • ROTOWIRE

Nicolas Hofler - Retires from first team, joins U23s Hofler is retiring from his professional first-team career and will move to Freiburg's reserve side, Freiburg II, for the 2026/27 season. The club revealed.

Impact Hofler joined Freiburg's academy at 15 and won a youth league title in 2008 and a youth cup in 2009 before two years on loan at Erzgebirge Aue. He returned to become a key player and on-field leader, going on to make 383 appearances for the club, a record in Freiburg's history. He started in the Europa League final loss to Aston Villa in what proved to be his final appearance at the top level, closing out a 21-year run with the first team.

JULY 11 • ROTOWIRE

Johan Manzambi - Officially ruled out Manzambi (knee) will not play against Argentina after not receiving medical clearance, coach Murat Yakin said , per Blick Sport. "Johan unfortunately cannot play tomorrow. We tried...

Impact Manzambi had been one of the standout performers of the tournament before the injury, scoring three goals and adding two assists across his last three games. He suffered a non-contact knee injury in training the day before the round of 16 clash with Colombia, which forced him out of that match entirely. Switzerland were noticeably blunter going forward without him, managing just two shots on target across 120 goalless minutes before advancing on penalties. He was still unable to train in the days that followed, seen on the sideline in a knee brace, and Yakin has now confirmed he won't be risked against Argentina. Fabian Rieder is the likely beneficiary, expected to retain his spot in central midfield after deputizing in the Colombia win.

JULY 10 • ROTOWIRE

Johan Manzambi - Doesn't train, in knee brace Manzambi (knee) was not in training Thursday as he watched from the side wearing a knee brace, according to ESPN Argentina.

Impact Manzambi looks to be heading towards the sidelines and another absence as the Swiss prepares for Argentina, with the midfielder not able to train and walking around in a knee brace. This brings major doubt to his availability, as with only two days until the game, he would need to see a major boost. This would leave the team without their top attacker as they face their toughest match of the tournament yet, with Ardon Jashari or Djibril Sow as possible replacements if he does remain out.

JULY 9 • ROTOWIRE

Johan Manzambi - Ruled out for Colombia match Manzambi has been ruled out of Switzerland's round of 16 match against Colombia after suffering a knee injury during the final training session, according to L'Equipe.

Impact Manzambi has been the breakout star of Switzerland's tournament, contributing three goals and two assists, making his absence a significant blow for the Nati ahead of a crucial knockout matchup. Fabian Rieder looks like the most likely candidate to step into the attack in his place, with Switzerland's depth in the final third set to be tested against Colombia. With Ruben Vargas and Djibril Sow both uncertain as well, Switzerland could be forced into further lineup changes, leaving manager Murat Yakin with some key decisions to make before kickoff.

JULY 7 • ROTOWIRE

Johan Manzambi - Exits training early Manzambi exited training early Monday ahead of Tuesday's match against Colombia and is now questionable, according to manager Murat Yakin, per Lucas Werder of Blick. "The annoyance...

Impact Manzambi is a major concern for Switzerland as they head into their round of 16 clash, as the midfielder was forced to leave training. He has been their star in the attack this tournament with three goals and two assists, so this would be more than a major blow to the squad. That said, Ruben Vargas also left training early, another starter potentially set to miss out. If he does miss out, Fabian Rieder is a possible replacement, with Michel Aebischer (undisclosed) also unlikely to play.

JULY 6 • ROTOWIRE

Florent Muslija - Back with Freiburg Muslija is back with Freiburg after spending the 2025/26 season on loan at Fortuna Dusseldorf.

Impact Muslija joined Fortuna Dusseldorf before the start of the 2025/26 season and saw regular action, making 30 appearances across all competitions and finishing with five goals and six assists. Muslija could add depth in the attacking third for Freiburg, but it wouldn't be surprising if he leaves the club on loan once again.

JULY 5 • ROTOWIRE

Johan Manzambi - Continues breakout World Cup Manzambi assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Thursday's 2-0 win against Algeria.

Impact Manzambi was the catalyst for Switzerland's opening goal in Thursday's 2-0 win over Algeria, bursting forward on a counter-attack from his own half and driving down the left channel before delivering an inch-perfect cross for Breel Embolo to finish from close range in the first half, also registering one chance created and five duels won across his 71 minutes before being replaced by Noah Okafor after appearing to grimace with a knock. The forward is now the youngest player since 1966 to reach five goal involvements (three goals, two assists) at a World Cup, with his frightening pace, power and directness against Algeria reinforcing his status as the most exciting individual revelation of the tournament.

JULY 3 • ROTOWIRE

Philipp Lienhart - Another six-clearance performance Lienhart recorded one shot off target and six clearances in Saturday's 3-3 draw versus Algeria.

Impact Lienhart has recorded six clearances in his two starts so far in the World Cup. Given he was on the bench against Argentina, and with Spain coming up in the Round of 32, it wouldn't be surprising if Lienhart returns to the bench in favor of Kevin Danso, who plays for Tottenham in the Premier League. Lienhart has 12 clearances, one tackle, one blocked shot and one shot off target so far in the World Cup.

JUNE 28 • ROTOWIRE

Johan Manzambi - Nets and assists against Canada Manzambi scored one goal and assisted once from two shots (one on target) and one chance created in Wednesday's 2-1 victory against Canada.

Impact Manzambi had his second brilliant display in a row despite not putting up eye-popping numbers, as he contributed to both goals, setting up Ruben Vargas with a sharp, low-driven cross from the right wing after shaking free and then scoring with some help from the opposing goalie, who let a routine shot go through because of a poor save. He's up to three goals in the competition. He has notched exactly two shots (three total on target) and one cross (one accurate overall) in the first three tilts, adding two key passes and three clearances.

JUNE 25 • ROTOWIRE

Johan Manzambi - Shines, scores twice vs. Bosnia Manzambi scored twice off the bench in Thursday's 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Impact Manzambi was an absolute game-changer for Switzerland in this match, scoring twice despite entering the game in the 71st minute. He's very likely to move into a starting role for the group-stage finale against Canada on Wednesday, June 24.

JUNE 18 • ROTOWIRE

Philipp Lienhart - Records six clearances Lienhart logged one tackle (one won), six clearances, one interception and one block during Tuesday's 3-1 win against Jordan.

JUNE 17 • ROTOWIRE

Keisuke Goto - Signs for Freiburg Goto has joined Freiburg from Anderlecht, with the 21-year-old Japanese striker arriving off the back of an impressive loan spell at St. Truiden in the Jupiler Pro League, his new...

Impact Goto scored 10 goals and provided five assists across 28 appearances for St. Truiden this season after previously netting 13 goals in 31 matches for Anderlecht's reserve side RSCA Futures in the Belgian second division. The striker, who represents Japan at the World Cup, brings a direct and aggressive playing style, strong movement in behind and an intelligent sense of positioning in the penalty area that sporting director Jochen Saier highlighted as key factors behind the recruitment. Goto expressed his excitement at joining a club that had shown genuine interest in him for months, describing Freiburg as a big club and looking forward to his first season in the Bundesliga.

JUNE 11 • ROTOWIRE

Philipp Lienhart - Composed center-back Lienhart has been named in Austria's World Cup squad and is expected to be one of the first-choice center-backs throughout the competition, bringing the composure and technical qua...

Impact Lienhart made 20 Bundesliga appearances for Freiburg this season after a campaign disrupted by injuris, contributing two goals across all competitions with his characteristic composure on the ball and aerial dominance whenever available. The defender brings eight seasons of Freiburg experience and a left-footed elegance in buildup that suits manager Rangnick's possession-based system, and his familiarity with the coaching staff's demands gives him a clear path to a starting berth. Lienhart heads into the World Cup as one of Austria's most technically gifted defenders and a player whose quality on the ball could be a key differentiator in high-pressure situations.

JUNE 5 • ROTOWIRE

Yuito Suzuki - Fit for World Cup Suzuki (collarbone) was named as an unused substitute in Sunday's 1-0 victory over Iceland, confirming he is fully fit for Japan's World Cup campaign, according to the JFA.

Impact Suzuki had been sidelined since suffering the right collarbone fracture during the match against Wolfsburg and had only recently returned to collective training with the national team, making his inclusion in the matchday squad a significant milestone in his recovery. The attacking midfielder is now available for coach Hajime Moriyasu ahead of Japan's World Cup opener against the Netherlands on June 14, with his creativity and technical quality making him a potentially important figure for the Samurai Blue throughout the tournament.

JUNE 1 • ROTOWIRE

Anthony Jung - Signs contract extension Jung has signed a contract extension with Freiburg after an impressive debut season at the club, the club announced.

Impact Jung joined from Werder Bremen ahead of the current campaign and made 15 appearances across the Bundesliga and Europa League, fulfilling the reliable and professional role the club had envisioned for him. Sporting director Jochen Saier praised Jung's professionalism and consistency throughout the season, highlighting his contribution beyond the pitch through his vast experience as an added value to the squad. Jung himself described it as a great privilege to be part of the group, citing the exceptional team environment at Freiburg as a key factor in his desire to extend his stay, with the veteran defender now heading into what will be his second season in the Breisgau having accumulated over 400 professional appearances across his career at clubs including Werder Bremen, Brondby, RB Leipzig and Ingolstadt.

MAY 28 • ROTOWIRE

Yuito Suzuki - Back training with Japan squad Suzuki (collarbone) has returned to training with the Japan national team squad on Friday, marking a significant step forward in his recovery from the right collarbone fracture he...

Impact Suzuki had been ruled out for the remainder of the Freiburg season following the injury, making his return to collective training with the national team a faster turnaround than initially anticipated. The attacking midfielder's participation in Japan's World Cup preparations is an encouraging development for coach Hajime Moriyasu, with the tournament opener drawing ever closer and Suzuki's creativity and technical quality making him a potentially important figure for the Samurai Blue this summer.

MAY 28 • ROTOWIRE

Rihito Yamamoto - Signs for Freiburg Yamamoto has joined Freiburg from Belgian first division side VV St. Truiden, becoming the second Japanese player at the club following the presence of Yuito Suzuki, according to t...

Impact Yamamoto made 98 competitive appearances for St. Truiden after joining in 2023, contributing five goals in the current Jupiler Pro League season in what sporting director Klemens Hartenbach described as a very strong developmental campaign. Hartenbach praised Yamamoto as a true midfield all-rounder capable of making an impact both with and without the ball, describing his versatility as his greatest strength while acknowledging there is still room for further refinement at the highest level. Yamamoto himself expressed his excitement at fulfilling his dream of playing in the Bundesliga, revealing he had spoken with Yuito Suzuki about Freiburg before making his decision and heard only positive things, with the midfielder eager to influence games and develop alongside his new teammates in what promises to be an exciting new chapter in his career.

MAY 27 • ROTOWIRE

Mio Backhaus - Transfers to Freiburg Backhaus has signed for Freiburg from Werder Bremen ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, his new club announced.

Impact Backhaus enjoyed a standout debut Bundesliga season with Bremen, making 32 appearances after breaking into the first team in August 2025 following a strong loan spell at FC Volendam in the Eredivisie where he was the first-choice goalkeeper across 33 appearances in 2023/24. Backhaus developed through the youth academies of Kawasaki Frontale in Japan before moving to Germany at 14 years old to join Alemannia Aachen and subsequently Bremen's academy, and has represented Germany at every youth level from U15 upward, currently serving as the Germany U21 international goalkeeper. Sporting director Jochen Saier praised his calm and concentrated approach, describing him as a goalkeeper who covers all facets of the position with significant development potential still ahead of him. Backhaus himself expressed excitement at joining Freiburg, describing the overall package of people, city, stadium and style of football as the driving factors behind his decision.

MAY 23 • ROTOWIRE

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