VfB Stuttgart have completed the signing of exciting young prospect Noah Darvich from Barcelona. Find out more on the 18-year-old with a very bright future...

Data correct as of 1 July 2025

Noah Darvich

Age: 18 (born 25 September 2006)
Club: VfB Stuttgart
Position: Midfielder
Country: Germany (41 youth caps, 13 goals)

Key stats

Stuttgart’s capture of Darvich sees one of Germany’s most exciting youngsters return to his homeland after a two-year stay in Barcelona. His footballing journey, however, started at hometown club Freiburg. He joined the Bundesliga outfit in 2015 at the age of eight and rose through the ranks impressively.

In fact, he was just 14 when he made his debut for the U17s in 2021/22, one of 15 appearances he racked up that season. Four goals and two assists represented a solid return, but he attracted significantly more attention the following campaign. After stepping up to the U19s, Darvich had to wait until October to make his bow, yet he scored five goals and created a further three in just eight outings.

Those displays not only contributed to him finishing as runner-up in the Fritz Walter Awards – given to Germany’s best young players at U19, U18 and U17 level – in 2023 but also earned him a move to European giants Barcelona. 

Darvich came through Freiburg's youth academy. - IMAGO/Joeran Steinsiek

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Darvich hit the ground running, scoring twice in four UEFA Youth League matches in 2023/24, and featured 21 times for Barcelona’s B team that season. He followed that up with 25 games in 2024/25, while he was named on the first-team bench by Hansi Flick for two La Liga matches and the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Inter Milan.

It is for Germany’s youth teams, though, that he has saved his best form. As captain, Darvich led the U17s to both the UEFA European Championship and FIFA World Cup titles in 2023, scoring four goals and providing eight assists across the two tournaments. 

Darvich captained Germany to the U17 World Cup. - IMAGO/Marcio Machado/M.i.S.

The step up to the Germany U19s was seamless, and Darvich took over the armband at that level, too. Had he not suffered a muscle injury, Germany may well have gone on to U19 Euro glory instead of succumbing to Spain 6-5 after extra-time in the semi-finals.

Plays a bit like: Enzo Millot

Darvich is not all that dissimilar to current Stuttgart schemer Millot. The two use their vision and wands of left feet to find teammates in dangerous positions. Millot has also captained his country, leading Les Bleus’ U21 side out while qualifying for this summer’s Euros.

Enzo Millot has been a creative hub for Stuttgart in recent seasons. - IMAGO/Marco Bader

Millot has often shown his trickery during his time in the Bundesliga, and Darvich is a player who could emulate his success for the reigning DFB Cup champions.

Did you know?

Stuttgart’s new recruit has three countries who he could represent internationally. While he has decided to play for the country of his birth at youth level, he is also eligible for Iraq and France through his father.

What they are saying?

“Noah is one of the guys from La Masia. He's developed really well, both physically and technically." - Flick

"We wish them all the best. The door in Freiburg is not closed, but only ajar." – Freiburg sporting director Klemens Hartenbach following Darvich's departure to Barcelona

"We are delighted to have signed Noah Darvich. Noah is one of the absolute top talents in his age group and is already performing at a high level." - Stuttgart sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth

About the clubs

VfB Stuttgart

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