The left-footed defender brings with him experience from more than 200 competitive matches in German and Turkish professional football and has been one of the most consistent centre-backs in the Bundesliga for many years.

From the Erzgebirge, via the Bosphorus to the Spree

Uduokhai was born in Annaberg-Buchholz, Saxony, where he began his football training at VfB Annaberg 09 and FC Erzgebirge Aue. In 2008, he joined the TSV 1860 München youth academy, where he progressed through all the youth teams and quickly established himself as one of the best defensive talents of his age group. The 6’3” defender made his professional debut in September 2016 in the 2. Bundesliga, making 21 second-division appearances in his debut professional season.

Following 1860’s relegation, Uduokhai joined VfL Wolfsburg in the summer of 2017. Now featuring in both the top flight and the DFB Pokal, he gained valuable experience at the highest level, playing 30 times for the Lower Saxony side, and scored his first Bundesliga goal with a stoppage time header during VfL Wolfsburg’s 1–1 draw with Hoffenheim in October 2017.

In the summer of 2019, Uduokhai initially moved to FC Augsburg on loan. There, he quickly established himself as a key player and, following a convincing first season, they exercised their option to buy. In the years that followed, he was at the heart of Augsburg’s defence where he made more than 120 competitive appearances. He captained the team on several occasions and impressed with his strength in the tackle, in the air and through his quality build-up play.

In 2024, he made the move abroad to Beşiktaşfeaturing both in the Süper Lig and on the European stage. He also has numerous international caps, having progressed through the German U-19s, U-20s and U-21s squads, reached the final of the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship with Germany and was also part of the German squad at the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Three facts about Felix

• The centre-back has already made over 150 Bundesliga appearances for VfL Wolfsburg and FC Augsburg.

• In November 2020, Uduokhai was called up to the German national team for the first time by head coach Joachim Löw. Although he did not make an appearance, he was still part of the senior national squad.

• At the 2021 Olympic Games, he scored the winning goal in Germany’s 3–2 victory over Saudi Arabia.

Reactions to the signing

 “For me, this move feels like exactly the right step at the right time. I’ve missed the Bundesliga and wanted to be part of an ambitious project.,” said a delighted Uduokhai on his move to Köpenick. “From the very start, Union gave me a clear picture of what we want to achieve together. That conviction appealed to me. Now I’m looking forward to getting to know the team, taking on responsibility and experiencing many special moments together with the fans.”

Meanwhile, Horst Heldt, Director of Men’s Professional Football at 1. FC Union Berlin, said, “Felix brings a profile that is not easy to find on the market. He’s strong in the tackle, has good build-up play and knows the demands of top-flight football from many years in the Bundesliga. At the same time, he’s at an age where experience and potential for development come together perfectly. We’re convinced that he’ll provide a significant boost to our defence.”