Freiburg's Europa League final proof another way can work
Bundesliga side Freiburg might have lost their first-ever European final to Aston Villa, but their European run is a reminder that success in football can
Bundesliga side Freiburg might have lost their first-ever European final to Aston Villa, but their European run is a reminder that success in football can be achieved without big spending or a loss of identity. Losing 3-0 to Aston Villa was certainly not how Freiburg's first-ever European final was supposed to end, but their presence in the final remains proof of something greater. The words of Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany describing the club's season still ring true. "I think it [Freiburg's success] embodies everything that is positive about football," Kompany said recently. "It's a small club that's building itself up with its own resources. What Freiburg are doing is a great example for many other clubs." Much has been written about the small club from Baden-Württemberg in recent years. A local club in its origin, Freiburg have evolved from a team yo-yoing between the divisions to an established Bundesliga side. Despite a first-ever German Cup final in 2022 (one that ended in a dramatic defeat on penalties), a Europa League tie against Juventus the year after and a new stadium in 2021, Freiburg have never strayed from the core values of a local club. They are prudent with their business, growth always feels organic, they are environmentally friendly and ultimately, in an era of staggering financial power, remain that rarest of all things in football: a sensible club. Freiburg's old stadium was near the edge of the forest, but the move to a new stadium hasn't seen them lose their connection to their origins Image: Heuberger/imago images Youth development, money management, cultural vibes Freiburg have an excellent record of developing young players.
It is estimated that 60 or more players currently in the top three divisions were either developed by or have played for the club. Then there's the financial restraint the club has shown in recent years. Beyond their approach in the transfer market — their record signing is Ritsu Doan in 2022, for a reported fee of just over €10 million ($11.6 million) — the management of the books is truly an example for others. In 2025, Freiburg reported a profit of €11.8 million despite not playing in Europe, where prize money is higher. Also, unusually, Freiburg have no bank liabilities. Noah, a 26-year-old fan who has had a season ticket for 20 years, believes this management is what helped steer the club through the COVID pandemic, a time when historically more powerful clubs like Schalke and Borussia Mönchengladbach struggled. "I'd even go so far as to say that without the pandemic, this dramatic rise wouldn't have happened, because the other clubs would have been able to continue operating as usual," Noah told DW. Beyond that, there is also the way the city and the club work together. "There are cafes in Freiburg where you know players go," Noah said. "They don't live a closed-off life. You can see them walk through the city and you can say hello. I think this is why many players stay at the club for years instead of taking the next step, even if they could." Matthias Ginter and Vincenzo Grifo are the two most obvious players who both left but returned. Both have played their best football in Freiburg.
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