Dženan Pejčinović enjoyed a perfect debut for VfB Stuttgart by scoring a hat-trick in the DFB Cup. The 21-year-old striker, who moved from VfL Wolfsburg this summer, was the decisive figure in the Bundesliga side's 4-0 victory at third-division club Hansa Rostock.
VfB Stuttgart finished last season in fourth place with 62 points from 34 games, securing Champions League qualification. The new season kicks off with a top match at record champions Bayern Munich on Friday. Before that, coach Sebastian Hoeneß could enjoy an ideal start from his new signing. "That was a dream start. We battled to sign him. It's fun to have him," Hoeneß said after the cup match.
Dženan Pejčinović is a 21-year-old German striker who began his career in the youth academy of Bayern Munich. He moved to FC Augsburg at age twelve before eventually joining VfL Wolfsburg. In the concluded 2025/26 season, he was the joint top scorer for the relegation-threatened club with eight Bundesliga goals, alongside Mohamed Amoura. His hat-trick on matchday 15 against SC Freiburg was a particular highlight. Despite his performances, he could not prevent Wolfsburg's relegation. His qualities have already earned him seven caps and two goals for the Germany U21 national team.
Pejčinović embodies exactly the profile VfB Stuttgart is looking for in its demanding season. He is a powerful, tall, and energetic striker who impresses with pace, power, and composed finishing. These attributes were visible last season when VfB scored 71 goals but also conceded 49. His immediate impact in the cup shows that he can instantly enrich Hoeneß's attack. The coach had specifically courted the forward to increase the goal threat. Pejčinović himself values teamwork. "It's also important to me that I work for the team, that I do my part for the success." he said after his hat-trick.
The dream start comes at the perfect time. VfB Stuttgart faces an intense season with the Bundesliga and Champions League. A reliable goalscorer is indispensable with this double burden. Pejčinović has shown he can deliver under pressure. His form could even attract the attention of Jürgen Klopp, the new Germany national team coach. Speculation about a senior national team call-up already exists. First, VfB must assert itself in the league, having finished 27 points behind Bayern Munich in the table. The next step is the home game against 1. FC Köln on September 4th, who are currently 14th.
The task for Pejčinović is clear: he must transfer his cup performance to the Bundesliga. Expectations are high after his debut. His contribution will be key to maintaining or even improving the offensive record of 71 season goals. Sebastian Hoeneß's team wants to carry the positive momentum from the cup into the difficult opening match in Munich. A strong first half of the season is needed to underpin ambitions for another Champions League place.
