Can Julian Schuster and Freiburg build on last season's campaign?
Freiburg reached new heights in 2025/26, but proving it wasn't a one-off may be an even tougher challenge. After a historic campaign under Julian Schuster, all eyes are now on whether the Breisgau club can take the next step.
Freiburg’s rampant 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig on the final day of last season secured them a seventh-placed finish, and a third successive European campaign.
Coupled with runs to the DFB Cup semi-final and the UEFA Europa League final for the first time ever, it was a remarkable season under Schuster, who has proven the perfect successor to Christian Streich.
A tough act to follow, Freiburg’s former captain is now guiding the Badem-Württemberg outfit to unprecedented new heights.
Although Freiburg’s unforgettable European campaign ultimately ended in defeat, losing 3-0 to Aston Villa in Istanbul, it was one that players and fans can look back upon with great fondness, with hopes of repeating that feat in this season’s UEFA Conference League.
“The fans brought us here, and they were there for us in bad times,” said Vincenzo Grifo, who returned five goals and provided four assists in 15 European matches last season. “You play football for these moments.”
Furthermore, Freiburg’s Europa League run drew strong praise from Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany. “It's a small club that has built everything using its own resources. There's a philosophy, a vision,” he said. “Julian deserves great respect - but also the people around the club making the decisions with him.”
Watch: All Grifo's goals and assists in 2025/26
Whilst Freiburg's extraordinary season ended trophyless, the building blocks for a successful 2026/27 are firmly in place, with their resilience at the back a cornerstone of their success.
Nowhere was that more evident than at the Europa-Park Stadion, where the Black Forest club lost just three of 25 home games in all competitions. Led by stalwart Matthias Ginter, Freiburg conceded two or more goals on only four occasions on home soil, while winning all seven of their Europa League matches there.
Germany U21 international Mio Backhaus now has the task of maintaining those standards after arriving as Freiburg's new No. 1 ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Watch: The best of Freiburg in 2025/26
In midfield, the workmanlike duo of Maximilian Eggestein and Patrick Osterhage has been bolstered by the arrivals of Sint-Truiden's Rhito Yamamoto and the returning Yannik Engelhardt
Their industry in front of the backline provides the platform for Freiburg's attackers to thrive. No one benefited more than Johan Manzambi, who recorded nine goals and nine assists in 58 appearances.
A revelation in 2025/26, the Switzerland international also impressed at the FIFA World Cup 2026 before earning a move to Premier League side Aston Villa. However, Freiburg's track record suggests Schuster already has a replacement lined up.
Yuito Suzuki, who flourished in his maiden Bundesliga campaign, starred alongside experienced duo Niklas Beste and Vincenzo Grifo.
The trio combined for 21 goals (13 goals, eight assists) in 2025/26 and will again be central to Schuster's attack, spearheaded by Igor Matanović. After a slow start to the campaign, the 23-year-old Croatian finished with 11 goals and two assists in 31 Bundesliga appearances.
Freiburg have further strengthened their frontline with the arrival of Japan international Keisuke Gotō, who recorded 10 goals and five assists in 28 Belgian Pro League appearances while on loan at Sint-Truiden from Anderlecht.
Watch: Igor Matanović in action
Although Freiburg’s pursuit of their first major trophy escaped them, Schuster has drawn up a blueprint for success.
Building upon an already solid defensive structure and clinical attack with a clear direct philosophy and vision, the Breisgau club have the key components in place for what they hope will be an even better 2026/27 campaign.
