Now it's official. This story is not over.

A man for the special moments

It was 27 May 2023 when Rani Khedira made club history with his well-placed shot from near the edge of the box into the bottom right against SV Werder Bremen. With his goal, the vice-captain paved the way for the UEFA Champions League for the very first time in the history of 1. FC Union Berlin.  

But first things first. The native Swabian came to Berlin-Köpenick from FC Augsburg for the 2021/22 season and immediately became a mainstay in midfield. In his first season, he missed only one game across all competitions – due to a yellow card suspension – and played in 45 of 46 games.  

Khedira scored his first goal in a Union shirt the following season in the 2-0 home win against Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring the crucial opener. But the big moment finally came on the last day of the 2022/23 season when his goal against Bremen sent the Stadion An der Alten Försterei into raptures, and secured Union's place in Europe’s premier competition.  

Khedira missed the start of the Champions League season due to injury, but took on responsibility both on and off the pitch, especially during its more difficult phases. At the end of the season, the team secured their place in the league, to which he had contributed significantly with 25 appearances.  

The number six, who has again been an integral part of the side this Bundesliga season with 33 appearances.  

The views on the extension  

“When I look back on my time at Union so far, I see the best moments of my career and I am very proud. But I also feel that this journey is far from over,” said a delighted Khedira on the signing of his new deal. “I want to continue to experience the feeling of having arrived and still getting goosebumps when I walk out of the players' tunnel into the Stadion An der Alten Försterei together with an extraordinary team. That's why I'm very happy to be here for the future.”  

Horst Heldt, director of men's professional football at 1. FC Union Berlin explained: “Since my first day here at Union, Rani has been a central part of this team and the entire Union family. With his personality, experience and footballing style, he brings qualities to the table every day that are hugely valuable to us as a club and as a team – both on and off the pitch. We are delighted that Rani is continuing on this journey with us.”