Bundesliga side Freiburg may have fallen short in their first-ever European final against Aston Villa, but their journey to the showpiece event serves as a reminder that footballing success can be achieved without lavish spending or sacrificing a club's core identity.
A 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa was certainly not the outcome Freiburg had envisioned for their maiden European final, yet their mere presence in the match stands as evidence of something more significant. The remarks from Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany about the club's campaign continue to resonate.
"I think it [Freiburg's success] embodies everything that is positive about football," Kompany recently stated. "It's a small club that's building itself up with its own resources. What Freiburg are doing is a great example for many other clubs."
Considerable attention has been devoted to the modest club from Baden-Württemberg in recent years. Originally a local outfit, Freiburg have transformed from a team fluctuating between divisions into a consistent Bundesliga presence.
Despite reaching their first German Cup final in 2022 (which ended in a dramatic penalty shootout loss), a Europa League encounter with Juventus the following year, and moving into a new stadium in 2021, Freiburg have never abandoned the fundamental principles of a community club. They are cautious in their dealings, growth always appears natural, they prioritize environmental sustainability, and ultimately, in an era defined by immense financial clout, they remain that most uncommon of entities in football: a sensible organization.
Youth development, financial discipline, cultural atmosphere
Freiburg boast an outstanding track record in nurturing young talent. It is believed that 60 or more players currently active in the top three divisions either came through the club's system or have represented the team.
Then there is the financial prudence the club has demonstrated in recent years. Beyond their approach in the transfer market — their most expensive signing remains Ritsu Doan in 2022, for a reported fee just over €10 million ($11.6 million) — their management of the books truly sets a benchmark for others.
In 2025, Freiburg posted a profit of €11.8 million despite not featuring in European competition, where prize money is more substantial. Additionally, unusually for a modern club, Freiburg carry no bank debt.
Noah, a 26-year-old supporter who has held a season ticket for two decades, believes this stewardship was instrumental in guiding the club through the COVID pandemic, a period when historically stronger clubs like Schalke and Borussia Mönchengladbach encountered difficulties.
"I'd even go so far as to say that without the pandemic, this dramatic rise wouldn't have happened, because the other clubs would have been able to continue operating as usual," Noah told DW.
Beyond that, there is also the symbiotic relationship between the city and the club.
"There are cafes in Freiburg where you know players go," Noah said. "They don't live a closed-off life. You can see them walk through the city and you can say hello. I think this is why many players stay at the club for years instead of taking the next step, even if they could."
Matthias Ginter and Vincenzo Grifo are the two most prominent examples of players who departed but later returned. Both have produced their finest football in Freiburg.
"The club knows me, and I know the club," is how Grifo summarized it to the Pforzheimer Kurier newspaper. "I feel like I never left."
Head coach connection also key to development
The club's achievements and recognition are also tied to their charismatic, passionate, and outspoken head coach Christian Streich, who departed in 2024 after 12 years at the helm. Streich frequently voiced opinions on social issues in Germany and regularly reminded football of its broader context. Now, the club quietly marking its 10th consecutive season in Germany's top flight has an opportunity to secure a major European trophy and qualify for the most prestigious event in club football, the Champions League.
"With Christian Günther, who is now the club's all-time leader in appearances, with Vincenzo Grifo, who is our all-time leading scorer, and now with Nico Höfler, who has simply been the face of this club for years and who's going to play his last game for the club in an international final in Istanbul, it's emotional," said Noah, who described the season as "incredible."
And then there is the patience afforded to head coaches. Current head coach Julian Schuster was not only a former assistant coach, as is frequently the case at the club, but is also only the fifth Freiburg head coach since 1991. In that same timeframe, Hamburg have had 28 (excluding interim appointments). Schuster follows in the footsteps of many predecessors and has made a smooth transition to the top role.
"I remember him as a player, as our captain. I still remember him scoring a bicycle kick. Then, in 2022, he was there in the away end in Hamburg for the German Cup semifinals, singing along to the songs at the top of his lungs," said Noah, explaining why Schuster is such a natural fit.
Fairy-tale ending in sight?
This European campaign saw Freiburg finish seventh in the league phase, before overcoming Genk, Celta Vigo, and Braga to reach the final. However, Premier League side Aston Villa proved an insurmountable challenge as Freiburg were left powerless. The English team's squad possessed the cutting edge that often accompanies a squad market value of nearly €550 million — more than double that of Freiburg's.
For Noah and countless other fans, the result was the least significant aspect of the evening. Reaching the final was an achievement in itself, and it provided all those supporters with an opportunity to celebrate the journey they have shared with the club.
"The chance to share that with people I've been in the stands with since I was a little kid, with people who I've experienced all of this with, who I traveled to Sandhausen with, to Koblenz with, and who've been with me to all those away games, even in the second division, and who have simply been with this club for years… that's real, and it makes me really happy and emotional," said Noah.
Edited by: Matt Pearson
This article was updated after the final.