A firm and fast crowd favourite

Naika Reissner joined Union from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim II in the summer of 2022 and played 30 league games in the following two Regionalliga seasons, scoring four goals. At the end of the 2023/24 season, she celebrated not only winning the Berlin Pokal with the team, but also promotion to the 2. Bundesliga. She came on as a substitute in both promotion play-off matches against SV Henstedt-Ulzburg.  

The Austrian youth international made a big breakthrough at Union in the current second division season. After often coming off the bench to liven up the game in the first half of the season though not making a single start, Reissner nailed down her place in the starting line-up after Christmas until she was injured three games before the end of the season. She didn't look back, contributing three goals and five assists. Overall, Reissner has provided the most assists this season with nine in 18 league games. With her irresistible runs down the left wing, she has long since sprinted her way into the hearts of the fans and will continue to cause considerable problems for opposing defences for 1. FC Union Berlin in the future.  

The views on the contract extension  

“I've had a very successful time at Union over the last few years, during which I've been able to develop personally and experience many wonderful moments,” said Reissner on the announcement off her new contract. “Together with the club, I want to establish myself in the Bundesliga with the team and build on my performances in the second half of the season.”  

Jennifer Zietz, Union’s Director of Women's Professional Football, added to that, saying: “Naiki is a player who has developed very well over the last few months. Her courage on the pitch has earned her a place in the starting line-up in the second half of the season. I am therefore all the more delighted that we have been able to extend the contract of such a young and talented player. We are convinced that her pace and dribbling skills will make her a permanent fixture in the Bundesliga in the coming years.”