From talent to leader

The Kassel-born player joined Union on loan for the first time at the age of 22 in the winter of 2018. After just a few months, Friedrich was elected as second vice-captain and part of the six-member squad committee. His development, both on and off the pitch, culminated in one of the most important moments in the club’s history, the 2-2 draw in the first leg of the promotion play-off at VfB Stuttgart. With the hosts a goal up,  he headed home a cross from Christopher Trimmel, his equaliser paving the way for Union’s first-ever promotion to the Bundesliga.

Following promotion, in the summer of 2019, he returned briefly to his former club, FC Augsburg, before returning to the Alte Försterei after just a few days. Once back, the former German youth international quickly established himself as a key player.

With his consistent presence, his importance within the team continued to grow. Alongside captain Christopher Trimmel, Friedrich was one of the most frequently starting players in the Union squad at the time of his departure in 2022. In his 141 competitive matches for Union, the right-footer impressed not only with his strength in the tackle and his awareness, but also with his goal-scoring threat. Friedrich, known for his ability in the air, scored nine times in the Union shirt

“I felt very much at home at Union right from the start. I became a regular here and, together with the whole club, made it to the Bundesliga and into Europe,” said Friedrich on his departure in 2022

Now the circle is complete. After four and a half years at Borussia Mönchengladbach, the defensive linchpin is returning to Köpenick, bringing not only a wealth of experience, but a hunger for more.

Three facts about Marvin

• Friedrich made his Bundesliga debut in the 2014/15 season for FC Schalke 04, coming on as a substitute for Dennis Aogo in the 70th minute.

• A brief back-and-forth: Ahead of the 2019/20 season, FC Augsburg exercised a buy-back option. Friedrich did not take part in the pre-season training camp at the start of July; a few days later, both clubs agreed on a permanent move to Union.

• His sister, Melissa Friedrich, is also a professional footballer; like her brother, she plays in central defence and is under contract with Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.

 Reactions to the signing

 “Returning to Union feels like coming home to me,” said a delighted Friedrich on his move back to Berlin. “I developed enormously here, both as a player and as a person, and experienced some of the finest moments of my career. The club, the fans and the city have always held a special place in my heart.

I feel that something special is continuing to take shape here, and I want to play my part in that. That’s why I’m really looking forward to playing at the Alte Försterei again and taking on responsibility.”

Union’s director of men’s professional football, Horst Heldt, meanwhile, had this to say. “Marvin knows the club, the people and Union’s values inside out. He has already proven here that he can fulfil a leadership role both on and off the pitch. With his experience, his mentality and his presence, he will immediately bring stability to the team. He also brings a strong sense of identification with the club, which is of great importance to us. We are delighted that Marvin has chosen Union once again.”