VfB Stuttgart has appointed Deniz Undav as the new captain, confirmed on Tuesday, after he wore the armband in the 4-0 DFB-Pokal win against Hansa Rostock. The club stated that Undav, 30, extends his contract until 2029 with an option for another year, securing his position as the club's highest earner at 5.5 million euros annually.
Contract details and salary growth
Undav's salary of 5.5 million euros plus bonuses is historic for VfB Stuttgart, surpassing Mario Gomez's record. The contract extension from 2027 to 2029 with an option for another year shows the club's commitment to retaining the key player, while the current Bundesliga standings (3rd place, 56 points from 29 games, 17W-5D-7L) highlight the team's strong position.
Hoeneß' statement on the captain
Sebastian Hoeneß stated: "Deniz is a player who is frequently on the pitch and can act as an extended arm." This underscores Undav's central role after two years as captain following Atakan Karazor, who took over after Waldemar Anton.
VfB Stuttgart vs. FC Bayern München
The VfB Stuttgart prepares for the away match against FC Bayern München on 28 August 2026, a key fixture for the title race. FC Bayern, currently leading with a 20-point advantage, won the 2025 Franz Beckenbauer Supercup 2-1 against Borussia Dortmund. The Allianz Arena game will test the VfB's ability to close the gap in the table.
Current Bundesliga statistics and form
The current Bundesliga statistics show VfB Stuttgart in 3rd place with 56 points from 29 games (17 wins, 5 draws, 7 losses) and a goal difference of +22 (60 scored, 38 conceded). Their recent form (WLWWD) indicates a strong winning streak, positioning them well for the upcoming challenge against Bayern.
Future outlook for VfB Stuttgart
With Undav as captain and his contract secured until 2029, VfB Stuttgart is well-positioned to challenge for the title. The current standings (3rd, 56 pts) and strong form (WLWWD) show the club on an upward trajectory, with the Bayern Munich match serving as a critical test for their championship ambitions. What the salary increase means for VfB
The contract extension of Deniz Undav until 2029 with 5.5 million euros annually is historic for VfB Stuttgart, surpassing Mario Gomez's record. This commitment aligns with the club's current Bundesliga position (3rd, 56 pts, 17W-5D-7L) and strong form (WLWWD).
Where he fits in the current squad
Deniz Undav fits as captain and top scorer in the current squad, which has scored 60 goals and conceded 38 (goal difference +22). His experience and standing in the city and region, as emphasized by Sebastian Hoeneß, make him a key player for the title challenge. fixtures squad stats standings injuries
