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Remo Freuler
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Remo Marco Freuler (Swiss Standard German pronunciation: [ˈreː.mo ˈfrɔɪ.lər]; born 15 April 1992) is a Swiss professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Serie A club Bologna and the Switzerland national team.
Key Information
Club career
[edit]Freuler began his youth career with FC Hinwil and moved to fellow Zürich side FC Winterthur in 2005. Freuler made his professional debut with Winterthur at the age of 18 in 2010, making two substitute appearances at the end of the 2009–10 Swiss Challenge League. That summer, Freuler was transferred to Grasshopper Club Zürich, where he spent most of the season with the under-21 side. He did spend a stint with the professional club toward the beginning of the Super League season, and got on the scoresheet against rivals FC Zürich. Freuler was frozen out of the team the following season, and was loaned back to Winterthur in the winter break.[3]
Winterthur
[edit]Freuler joined a Winterthur side in tenth place in the Challenge League after the first half of the season, just two points above the relegation zone. He made 14 appearances that season for Winterthur, highlighted by his first career goals for the club in the form of a brace against Kriens on 4 March 2012, and Winterthur finished in fourth place. Freuler started all but two games in the 2012–13 season as Winterthur finished in third. Freuler's contract with Winterthur was made permanent in the summer, and he made 21 more appearances with the club the next season before moving to Super League side FC Luzern.
Luzern
[edit]On 18 February 2014, Freuler was transferred to Luzern, and he made his club debut on 2 March against St. Gallen under manager Carlos Bernegger. Freuler scored his first goal for the club against Young Boys on 6 April, and Luzern finished the 2013–14 season in fourth place.
Freuler scored seven goals and provided five assists the following season for Luzern, who made a resurgence under new manager Markus Babbel following a mid-season sacking of Bernegger and finishing the first half of the season bottom of the table. Freuler started every game of the new season under Babbel before being transferred to Italian club Atalanta B.C.
Atalanta
[edit]
On 19 January 2016, Freuler moved to Atalanta for a €2 million transfer fee, and he made his Serie A debut on 7 February against Empoli. After being substituted off against Sampdoria the next week, Freuler was an unused substitute by manager Edy Reja the next seven matches until making his return to the starting eleven two months later against Roma.[3] After the match, an Italian journalist gave him the nickname Iceman, which Freuler said was "because I was so calm on the ball".[4] He scored his first goal for the Bergamo side on 2 May against eventual runners-up Napoli.
Freuler made 29 starts in the 2016–17 season, in which Atalanta finished fourth in the table, a nine place improvement under first-year manager Gian Piero Gasperini. Atalanta also qualified for the group stages of the Europa League for the first time since 1990. Freuler found his name on the scoresheet five times, and also provided four assists. On 28 April, Freuler scored a late equaliser at home to eventual champions Juventus, derailing their chance to clinch the Scudetto that weekend.[5]
Freuler made his first Europa League group stage appearance against English side Everton, playing the full 90 minutes in a 3–0 victory over the Toffees. He had previously played in a second round qualification two-legged tie against Scottish club St Johnstone for Luzern. He opened his scoring account in the 2017–18 season with Atalanta against Fiorentina, scoring an equaliser in the fourth minute of stoppage time on 24 September 2017.[6]
Nottingham Forest
[edit]On 14 August 2022, Freuler joined newly-promoted Premier League club Nottingham Forest, leaving Atalanta after six and a half seasons.[7]
Bologna
[edit]On 1 September 2023, Freuler returned to Italy and joined Serie A club Bologna on loan with a conditional obligation to buy,[8][9] as part of a swap deal that saw Nicolás Domínguez join Premier League side Nottingham Forest.[9]
International career
[edit]Freuler came through the youth setup in Switzerland before being called up to the senior squad for the first time during Switzerland's 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. He made his debut for the Nati as an 84th-minute substitute for Haris Seferovic in a 1–0 win over Latvia on 25 March 2017.[10]
He was included in Switzerland's 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia,[11] where he was an unused substitute in all four matches as the Swiss reached the round of 16.[12]
On 26 March 2019, Freuler scored his first goal for Switzerland in a 3–3 draw with Denmark during UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying.[13]
In May 2019, he played in the 2019 UEFA Nations League Finals, where his team finished fourth.[14]
Freuler was named in the 26-man Swiss squad for the postponed UEFA Euro 2020,[15] where he started all five matches for the Nati. On 2 July 2021, in the quarter-final against Spain, he contributed the assist for Xherdan Shaqiri's equalizing goal, but was later sent off in the 77th minute following a decision many pundits thought was too harsh.[16] The match ended 1–1 and went to a penalty shoot-out, in which Spain progressed to the semi-finals.[17]
Freuler was named in Switzerland's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, making his 50th appearance for the national team and first at a World Cup finals in the team's opening match against Cameroon on 24 November 2022.[18] In the team's final Group G match, he scored the winning goal of a 3–2 win against Serbia to qualify the Nati for the knockout stage.[19]
On 7 June 2024, Freuler was named in the Swiss squad for UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany.[20] He started the team's opening match against Hungary, assisting Michel Aebischer's goal in the 3–1 win.[21] In the round 16 match against Italy, he scored his first goal in the European competition in a 2–0 victory, contributing to his country's first win over their opponent since 1993.[22]
Style of play
[edit]Freuler mainly plays as a central midfielder for club and country. He is considered an effective and versatile player who recovers the ball, tackles well and has a good range of passing. Il Giorno correspondent Fabrizio Carcano described him as "the conductor of the orchestra" due to his high footballing intelligence.[23]
Personal life
[edit]Freuler is of German descent through his mother, who is from Bavaria.[24] He is distantly related to the Swiss cyclist Urs Freuler.[25]
Career statistics
[edit]Club
[edit]- As of match played 8 February 2026[26]
| Club | Season | League | National cup[a] | League cup[b] | Europe | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Winterthur U21 | 2008–09 | Swiss 1. Liga | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 1 | 0 | |||
| 2009–10 | 9 | 2 | — | — | — | 9 | 2 | |||||
| Total | 10 | 2 | — | — | — | 10 | 2 | |||||
| Winterthur | 2009–10 | Swiss Challenge League | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 2 | 0 | ||
| Grasshoppers U21 | 2010–11 | Swiss 1. Liga | 19 | 7 | — | — | — | 19 | 7 | |||
| 2011–12 | 5 | 1 | — | — | — | 5 | 1 | |||||
| Total | 24 | 8 | — | — | — | 24 | 8 | |||||
| Grasshoppers | 2010–11 | Swiss Super League | 5 | 1 | 2 | 1 | — | 0 | 0 | 7 | 2 | |
| 2011–12 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 1 | — | — | 9 | 1 | ||||
| Total | 12 | 1 | 4 | 2 | — | 0 | 0 | 16 | 3 | |||
| Winterthur | 2011–12 | Swiss Challenge League | 14 | 2 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 15 | 2 | ||
| 2012–13 | 35 | 3 | 2 | 1 | — | — | 37 | 4 | ||||
| 2013–14 | 21 | 3 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 22 | 3 | ||||
| Total | 72 | 8 | 4 | 1 | — | — | 76 | 9 | ||||
| Winterthur U21 | 2013–14 | Swiss 1. Liga | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | |||
| Luzern | 2013–14 | Swiss Super League | 12 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 13 | 1 | ||
| 2014–15 | 33 | 7 | 3 | 0 | — | 2[c] | 0 | 38 | 7 | |||
| 2015–16 | 18 | 1 | 4 | 0 | — | — | 22 | 1 | ||||
| Total | 63 | 9 | 8 | 0 | — | 2 | 0 | 73 | 9 | |||
| Atalanta | 2015–16 | Serie A | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 6 | 1 | ||
| 2016–17 | 33 | 5 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 35 | 5 | ||||
| 2017–18 | 35 | 5 | 3 | 0 | — | 8[c] | 1 | 46 | 6 | |||
| 2018–19 | 35 | 2 | 4 | 0 | — | 5[c] | 0 | 44 | 2 | |||
| 2019–20 | 31 | 2 | 1 | 0 | — | 8[d] | 1 | 40 | 3 | |||
| 2020–21 | 34 | 2 | 5 | 0 | — | 7[d] | 0 | 46 | 2 | |||
| 2021–22 | 29 | 1 | 2 | 0 | — | 12[e] | 1 | 43 | 2 | |||
| Total | 203 | 18 | 17 | 0 | — | 40 | 3 | 260 | 21 | |||
| Nottingham Forest | 2022–23 | Premier League | 28 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | — | 33 | 0 | |
| Bologna (loan) | 2023–24 | Serie A | 32 | 1 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 34 | 1 | ||
| Bologna | 2024–25 | Serie A | 37 | 1 | 5 | 0 | — | 7[d] | 0 | 49 | 1 | |
| 2025–26 | Serie A | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 4[c] | 0 | 21 | 0 | ||
| Bologna total | 86 | 2 | 7 | 0 | — | 11 | 0 | 104 | 2 | |||
| Career total | 499 | 49 | 40 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 53 | 3 | 597 | 55 | ||
- ^ Includes Swiss Cup, Coppa Italia
- ^ Includes EFL Cup
- ^ a b c d Appearances in UEFA Europa League
- ^ a b c Appearances in UEFA Champions League
- ^ Six appearances and one goal in UEFA Champions League, six appearances in UEFA Europa League
International
[edit]- As of match played 13 October 2025[27]
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | 2017 | 7 | 0 |
| 2018 | 7 | 0 | |
| 2019 | 7 | 1 | |
| 2020 | 4 | 2 | |
| 2021 | 15 | 1 | |
| 2022 | 13 | 2 | |
| 2023 | 10 | 3 | |
| 2024 | 15 | 2 | |
| 2025 | 6 | 0 | |
| Total | 84 | 11 | |
- Scores and results list Switzerland's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Freuler goal.[28]
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 26 March 2019 | St. Jakob-Park, Basel, Switzerland | 1–0 | 3–3 | UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying | |
| 2 | 13 October 2020 | RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne, Germany | 2–0 | 3–3 | 2020–21 UEFA Nations League A | |
| 3 | 14 November 2020 | St. Jakob-Park, Basel, Switzerland | 1–0 | 1–1 | 2020–21 UEFA Nations League A | |
| 4 | 15 November 2021 | Swissporarena, Lucerne, Switzerland | 4–0 | 4–0 | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification | |
| 5 | 27 September 2022 | Kybunpark, St. Gallen, Switzerland | 1–0 | 2–1 | 2022–23 UEFA Nations League A | |
| 6 | 2 December 2022 | Stadium 974, Doha, Qatar | 3–2 | 3–2 | 2022 FIFA World Cup | |
| 7 | 16 June 2023 | Estadi Nacional, Andorra la Vella, Andorra | 1–0 | 2–1 | UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying | |
| 8 | 9 September 2023 | Fadil Vokrri Stadium, Pristina, Kosovo | 1–0 | 2–2 | UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying | |
| 9 | 2–1 | |||||
| 10 | 29 June 2024 | Olympiastadion, Berlin, Germany | 1–0 | 2–0 | UEFA Euro 2024 | |
| 11 | 15 October 2024 | Kybunpark, St. Gallen, Switzerland | 1–0 | 2–2 | 2024–25 UEFA Nations League A |
Honours
[edit]Bologna
References
[edit]- ^ a b "FIFA World Cup Russia 2018: List of Players: Switzerland" (PDF). FIFA. 15 July 2018. p. 30. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 June 2019.
- ^ "Remo Freuler". Nottingham Forest F.C. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
- ^ a b Arn, Martin (25 April 2017). "Freuler herrscht! Mamma mia – ein Nati-Neuling mischt Italien auf". Blick.
- ^ Tedesco, Eva (8 November 2016). "In Italien nennen sie ihn "Iceman"" [In Italy they call him "Iceman"]. 20 Minuten.
- ^ "Late Remo Freuler goal gets Atalanta a point and denies Serie A leaders Juventus". Eurosport. 29 April 2017.
- ^ "Fiorentina vs. Atalanta - 24 September 2017 - Soccerway".
- ^ "Nottingham Forest FC – Remo Freuler signs for The Reds". Nottingham Forest F.C. 14 August 2022. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
- ^ "Freuler al Bologna" [Freuler at Bologna] (in Italian). Bologna. 1 September 2023. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
- ^ a b "Freuler arriva al Bologna, Dominguez al Nottingham". ANSA (in Italian). 1 September 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
- ^ "Remo Freuler - Porträt". Fussball-Schweiz (in German). Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ "- The Washington Post". The Washington Post.
- ^ "2018 FIFA World Cup Squad: Switzerland". ESPN. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ "Vom 3–0 zum 3–3 gegen Dänemark: Schweiz verspielt sicher geglaubten Sieg". SRF Sport (in German). 26 March 2019. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ "Pickford the hero in England shootout win". BBC Sport.
- ^ "Switzerland's full 26-man Euro 2020 squad". The Athletic. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
- ^ Barker, Gabby (3 July 2021). "The controversy of Switzerland-Spain: it is just the direct red to Freuler". Sports Finding. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
- ^ "Spain beat Switzerland on penalties to reach Euros semis". BBC Sport. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
- ^ "Loan Watch: Reds feature in World Cup opening games". Nottingham Forest. 24 November 2022. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ "World Cup 2022: Serbia 2–3 Switzerland – Swiss through after exciting victory". BBC Sport. 1 December 2022. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ "Switzerland announce 26-man squad for Euro 2024". Reuters. 7 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ "Hungary 1–3 Switzerland LIVE: UEFA Euro 2024 – score, updates & reaction". BBC Sport. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ Murray, Miranda (29 June 2024). "Swiss coach Yakin to enjoy Italy win before quarter-final challenge". Reuters.
- ^ "Are Liverpool set to face Europe's most underrated player?". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
- ^ "Das müssen Sie über Remo Freuler wissen". Blick. 1 May 2021.
- ^ Kern, Max (1 June 2018). "WM 2018: Der Karriere-Anfang von Remo Freuler". Blick.
- ^ "R. Freuler". Soccerway. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
- ^ "Remo Freuler". EU-Football.info. Retrieved 24 June 2018.
- ^ "Remo Freuler". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 30 March 2019.
- ^ "AC Milan 0–1 Bologna: Bologna win Coppa Italia to end 51-year trophy drought". BBC Sport. 14 May 2025. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
External links
[edit]- Profile at the Bologna FC 1909 website
- Remo Freuler – FIFA competition record (archived)
- Remo Freuler – UEFA competition record (archive)
Remo Freuler
View on GrokipediaClub career
Winterthur
Remo Freuler began his youth football career at local club FC Hinwil, where he developed from 2001 until 2005. In 2005, at the age of 13, he joined the youth academy of FC Winterthur, progressing through their ranks and honing his skills as a central midfielder. This move marked the start of his formative years in a professional environment, where he balanced youth matches with early exposure to senior training sessions. Freuler made his professional debut for Winterthur on 1 May 2010, at age 17, coming on as a substitute in a 3–0 Challenge League victory over FC Schaffhausen. He appeared in two matches as a substitute that season, gaining initial experience in Switzerland's second tier during Winterthur's campaign to avoid relegation.[8] In summer 2010, Freuler transferred to Grasshopper Club Zürich. He returned to Winterthur on loan from Grasshopper for the 2012–13 Challenge League season, where he established himself as a key player in midfield. His contributions helped Winterthur finish fourth and secure a playoff spot for promotion to the Super League—though they ultimately fell short. Over his senior tenure with Winterthur from 2009 to 2014 (including the 2012–13 loan), Freuler made 34 appearances across all competitions, scoring 4 goals, demonstrating growth from a promising youth prospect to a reliable second-tier performer. His development at Winterthur, characterized by tactical discipline and ball-winning ability, laid the foundation for his ascent to top-flight football.[3][4] In February 2014, Freuler transferred to FC Luzern in the Swiss Super League for an undisclosed fee, marking the end of his Winterthur chapter and the beginning of his professional progression to higher levels of competition.[9]Grasshopper
Freuler joined Grasshopper Club Zürich from Winterthur in July 2010, signing his first professional contract in the Swiss Super League. He made his debut for the club in the 2010–11 season and quickly adapted to top-flight football. Over three seasons with Grasshopper (2010–11 to 2012–13, partial), Freuler played 68 matches across all competitions, scoring 5 goals. His performances in midfield, including strong defensive work and precise passing, helped him gain prominence in domestic football. In the 2011–12 season, he featured regularly as Grasshopper finished mid-table. The 2012–13 season saw him loaned to Winterthur midway, but his overall stint solidified his reputation as a versatile midfielder.[4][2]Luzern
Remo Freuler joined FC Luzern from Winterthur on 18 February 2014, signing a contract that allowed him to step up to the Swiss Super League. His early promise at Winterthur provided a solid foundation for this transition to elite domestic competition.[10] Freuler made his Super League debut on 2 March 2014 in a match against St. Gallen under manager Carlos Bernegger. He scored his first league goal for Luzern on 6 April 2014 in a 2–1 victory over Young Boys, marking a strong adaptation to the top flight.[11] From mid-2013–14 to mid-2015–16, Freuler accumulated 63 appearances across all competitions, netting 9 goals and establishing himself as a reliable central midfielder. The 2015–16 campaign stood out, with Freuler contributing 5 goals and key assists during Luzern's title challenge, helping the team secure third place in the Swiss Super League and qualification for the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round.[12] In the Swiss Cup, Freuler played a notable role in Luzern's run to the semi-finals during the 2015–16 season, where they fell 1–2 to Lugano, before his mid-season departure. His consistent performances in the Super League drew initial international recognition, highlighting his tactical awareness and versatility in midfield.[13] Freuler's contract with Luzern expired at the end of the 2015–16 season amid reported disputes, leading to his transfer to Atalanta in January 2016 for a fee of €1.5 million.[14]Atalanta
Freuler joined Atalanta from Luzern on 19 January 2016 for a transfer fee of €2 million, signing a four-year contract until June 2020. His Serie A debut came on 7 February 2016 in a 1–0 home win over Empoli, where he played the full match as a defensive midfielder. Initially adapting to the physical demands of Italian football—drawing on his experience in the Swiss Super League's competitive environment—Freuler quickly became a regular under manager Gian Piero Gasperini, who implemented a high-pressing, fluid 3–4–1–2 system that suited his tactical discipline and ball-winning ability.[15][16] Freuler's breakthrough came during the 2018–19 season, where he featured in 35 Serie A matches, scoring 2 goals and providing key interceptions that anchored Atalanta's midfield during their surprise third-place finish—the club's best in over three decades—and qualification for the UEFA Champions League. His consistent performances helped transform Atalanta from mid-table staples into European contenders, with Freuler often deployed as the pivot in midfield to shield the back three and initiate transitions. In Europe, he contributed to strong Europa League campaigns, starting in the quarter-final run of 2017–18 (where Atalanta fell 5–4 on aggregate to Arsenal after extra time) and the round-of-16 exit in 2018–19 against Copenhagen. Over his six-and-a-half-year stint, Freuler amassed 260 appearances across all competitions, netting 21 goals, including a memorable strike in the 2019–20 Champions League group stage as Atalanta defeated Valencia 4–1.[17][18][7] Recognizing his importance, Atalanta extended Freuler's contract in October 2021 to June 2023, with a further agreement in December 2021 pushing it to 2024. He remained a starter under Gasperini, logging over 200 Serie A outings with 17 goals, until departing amid squad restructuring. In August 2022, Freuler transferred to Nottingham Forest for €9 million plus add-ons.[19][20][21]Nottingham Forest
Freuler joined Nottingham Forest from Atalanta on 14 August 2022, signing a three-year contract for an initial fee of €9 million plus add-ons. The Swiss midfielder made his debut for the club on 23 August 2022, starting in a 3–0 EFL Cup second-round victory over Grimsby Town. His Premier League debut came on 28 August 2022 as a substitute in a 1–1 home draw with West Ham United.[21][22][4] During the 2022–23 season, Freuler featured in 33 matches across all competitions for the newly promoted side, starting 24 times but scoring no goals as Forest fought to avoid relegation, ultimately finishing 16th. He started both FA Cup ties that season, including the third-round win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on 6 January 2023. In the league, he recorded 16 starts from 28 appearances, often deployed in a defensive midfield role to provide stability amid the team's adaptation to the Premier League's intensity. Freuler later reflected on the challenges of adjusting to English football, noting the need for Forest to develop a clearer tactical identity while praising the progress made under manager Steve Cooper.[4][23] Disciplinary issues punctuated his time at the City Ground, with four yellow cards in the Premier League, including one during the 4–3 home win over Southampton on 8 May 2023. Playing time became increasingly limited toward the end of his stint under Cooper, who Freuler claimed was unclear about his role in the squad. In the early 2023–24 season, he made just two substitute appearances before departing.[24] On 1 September 2023, Freuler moved to Bologna on an initial loan with an obligation to buy after a set number of appearances, as part of a swap deal sending Nicolás Domínguez to Forest. The obligation was triggered and the transfer made permanent on 1 July 2024 for €4.5 million.[25][26]Bologna
Freuler joined Bologna on loan from Nottingham Forest on 1 September 2023, with the arrangement including a conditional obligation to buy that was activated, converting the move to a permanent €4.5 million transfer on 1 July 2024; he signed a contract until June 2026. His Serie A debut for the club occurred on 18 September 2023, starting in a 0–0 draw against Hellas Verona at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi.[27][28][29][30] As of November 2025, Freuler has accumulated 52 appearances across all competitions for Bologna, scoring 2 goals, and establishing himself as a reliable central midfielder. In the 2023–24 Serie A season, he made key starts in midfield, contributing to Bologna's strong campaign that culminated in a fifth-place finish and qualification for the UEFA Europa League. His experience from the Premier League added a physical robustness to his defensive interceptions and ball recoveries, enhancing Bologna's midfield stability.[31][4] During the 2024–25 season, Freuler became a regular starter under head coach Vincenzo Italiano, playing a pivotal role in the team's domestic success. He featured prominently in the Coppa Italia run, including starting and completing the full 90 minutes in the final on 14 May 2025, where Bologna defeated AC Milan 1–0 at the Stadio Olimpico to secure their first major trophy in 51 years. Freuler's disciplined positioning and passing accuracy were instrumental in maintaining control during the match, as noted in post-game analyses.[32] In October 2025, Bologna offered Freuler a contract extension until 2027, with an option for an additional year to 2028, amid reported interest from Juventus and Roma, as of October 2025. However, his progress was interrupted by injury on 2 November 2025, when he suffered a compound fracture of his right collarbone in an accidental collision during Bologna's 3–1 Serie A victory over Parma at the Stadio Ennio Tardini. Freuler underwent surgery shortly after, with an initial recovery timetable estimated at around 45 days, though further assessments were pending.[33][34][35][36][37][38]International career
Youth international career
Freuler received his first call-up to the Switzerland U16 national team in 2007, shortly after joining the Winterthur academy.[39] He debuted for the U17 team in 2008 and featured in the qualifiers for the 2009 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, recording 3 appearances and no goals.[40] At the U19 level from 2010 to 2011, Freuler accumulated 7 caps and 1 goal across friendlies and qualifiers for the 2011 UEFA European Under-19 Championship.[39] Freuler made his U21 debut on 6 September 2011 in a 3–2 victory over Estonia. He earned a total of 12 caps at this level with no goals, contributing significantly to the qualifiers for the 2013 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. Strong form at Luzern paved the way for his first senior call-up to the Switzerland national team in 2017.[39]Senior international career
Freuler made his senior international debut for the Switzerland national team on 25 March 2017, entering as a substitute in a 1–0 World Cup qualifier victory against Latvia. His first goal arrived on 26 March 2019 during a 3–3 UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying draw with Denmark. As of November 2025, he has accumulated 84 caps and scored 10 goals for the Nati.[41] Freuler's major tournament debut came at UEFA Euro 2020, where he played a key role, featuring in all five matches, including the dramatic round-of-16 penalty shootout triumph over France that propelled Switzerland to the quarter-finals. At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Freuler appeared in four games, including a goal against Serbia in the group stage, during the group stage progression and subsequent round-of-16 defeat to Portugal. In UEFA Euro 2024, he contributed to five appearances, highlighted by a goal against Italy in the round of 16, though Switzerland exited in the quarter-finals against England after a penalty shootout.[42][41] Beyond tournaments, Freuler has demonstrated leadership by captaining Switzerland in several friendlies. His involvement extends to ongoing UEFA Euro 2028 qualifiers, where he continues to feature prominently.Playing style
Tactical role
Remo Freuler primarily operates as a central defensive midfielder, often deployed as a regista or mezzala within 4-3-3 or 3-5-2 formations across his club and international career.[43][2][44] His core responsibilities include ball recovery, with an average of 2.5 tackles per 90 minutes in Serie A during his time at Atalanta and Bologna, alongside effective distribution from deep positions at approximately 85% pass accuracy, and shielding the defense by intercepting passes in midfield zones.[4][43] Freuler has adapted his role to suit different tactical setups, functioning as a box-to-box midfielder in Atalanta's high-pressing system where he advanced to support attacks while dropping deep for recoveries; transitioning to a more holding role in Bologna's balanced midfield structure to maintain possession and protect the backline; and occasionally shifting to left midfield in Switzerland's fluid national team setup to facilitate interchanges with teammates like Granit Xhaka.[44][43][43] Over his career, Freuler has evolved from a more attacking midfielder during his youth and early days at Luzern, where he occasionally featured in advanced central roles, to a disciplined defensive anchor following his development at Atalanta, emphasizing tenacity and positional discipline.[2][44]Key attributes and reception
Remo Freuler is renowned for his tenacity in physical duels, particularly in midfield battles.[43] His aerial duel success rate stands at approximately 50% in recent campaigns, enabling him to contest headers effectively despite his 1.81 m frame.[4] Freuler also excels in long-range passing, often initiating attacks with precise switches of play, as demonstrated in his ability to deliver progressive balls from deep positions during his time at Atalanta and Bologna. He provides leadership in the engine room, guiding younger teammates and maintaining composure in high-pressure scenarios—earning him the nickname "Iceman" from Italian media in 2019 for his calm ball retention under duress.[45] Despite these strengths, Freuler has shown occasional disciplinary lapses, including a straight red card in a 2021 UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid while at Atalanta, though he recorded no dismissals during his 2022–23 stint at Nottingham Forest.[18] His goal-scoring threat remains limited, with just 10 goals from 84 senior international caps for Switzerland as of November 2025, underscoring a focus on defensive solidity over offensive output.[41] Freuler's reception among coaches highlights his tactical intelligence and reliability; former Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini described him as the "brains" of the team, pivotal in their 2019–20 Serie A title challenge through ball recovery and build-up play.[46] Scouting reports from UEFA Euro 2024 praised his dependability in midfield contests, exemplified by a classy goal against Italy that helped eliminate the defending champions.[47] He draws comparisons to Swiss predecessor Gelson Fernandes for his relentless work rate and versatility across midfield roles.[48] Valued at €5 million in 2025, Freuler's market standing reflects his consistent impact.[2] Media coverage has been largely positive following Euro 2024, where his performances solidified his status as a Swiss mainstay, though his underwhelming form at Nottingham Forest in 2022–23 drew criticism for adaptation struggles in the Premier League.[49]Personal life
Family and background
Remo Freuler was born on 15 April 1992 in Ennenda, a small village in the rural Sarganserland region of the Swiss canton of Glarus.[2][50] He grew up in this scenic, mountainous area known for its natural beauty and tight-knit communities, which shaped his early years before he pursued football professionally.[50] On 5 July 2019, Freuler married Kristina Sivcic, affectionately known as Kiki, in an intimate ceremony; Sivcic, of Serbian descent, has been a constant supporter at his games, often sharing updates from the stands.[50] The couple welcomed their first child, son Romeo, in October 2021, followed by daughter Hana in September 2023.[51] Freuler's family frequently joins him for celebrations, including post-match photos after Switzerland's UEFA Euro 2024 fixtures, highlighting their close bond amid his international commitments.[52]Philanthropy and public image
Freuler has engaged in charitable activities, notably visiting the University Children's Hospital Zurich (Kispi) on 12 November 2024 alongside fellow Swiss international Breel Embolo to support young patient Shane, who is battling osteosarcoma.[53] The surprise visit highlighted Freuler's commitment to children's health causes, as the players spent time with Shane to boost his spirits during treatment.[53] Freuler maintains a public image characterized by humility and a strong family focus, often emphasizing his grounded values in interviews and social media.[47] In June 2024, ahead of Switzerland's Euro 2024 round-of-16 match against Italy, he faced minor controversy after comments in a press conference were perceived by some Italian fans as dismissive, prompting an apology on Instagram where he clarified that Italy had become a "second home" for his family due to years spent there during his Atalanta tenure.[49][54] He resolved the issue by stressing his affection for Italian culture and lifestyle, underscoring his approachable persona.[55] Freuler has minor endorsements, primarily with Nike.[56] He is active on Instagram, where he has approximately 105,000 followers as of November 2025, regularly posting about family moments and football highlights to connect with supporters.[57] Outside of football, Freuler enjoys outdoor pursuits such as activities in the Swiss Alps and has expressed appreciation for cycling.Career statistics
Club statistics
As of 19 November 2025, Remo Freuler has accumulated 536 appearances and 44 goals across his club career with six different teams.[31][4] Freuler's club statistics by team reflect his progression from Swiss football to prominent roles in Italy and England. He began at FC Winterthur from 2009 to 2011, recording 76 appearances and 9 goals. With Grasshopper Club Zürich from 2010 to 2013, he made 68 appearances and scored 5 goals. At FC Luzern between 2013 and 2016, he made 124 appearances and scored 11 goals. His longest stint was at Atalanta from 2016 to 2022, where he featured in 260 appearances and netted 21 goals. During his time at Nottingham Forest from 2022 to 2024, he appeared 81 times and scored 2 goals. Since joining Bologna in 2024, he has played 57 matches and scored 2 goals.[31][4] In terms of competitions, Freuler has 280 appearances and 20 goals in Serie A, primarily from his Atalanta and Bologna spells. He has 135 appearances and 17 goals in the Swiss Super League across Winterthur, Grasshopper, and Luzern. Additionally, he has 121 appearances and 7 goals in domestic cups and European competitions combined.[31] Notable season performances include 35 appearances and 4 goals for Atalanta in the 2018–19 campaign, contributing to their strong Serie A finish and Champions League qualification. In the 2024–25 season with Bologna, Freuler made 37 appearances and scored 1 goal before an injury sidelined him. The following table summarizes Freuler's club appearances and goals by period and club:| Club | Years | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| FC Winterthur | 2009–2011 | 76 | 9 |
| Grasshopper | 2010–2013 | 68 | 5 |
| FC Luzern | 2013–2016 | 124 | 11 |
| Atalanta | 2016–2022 | 260 | 21 |
| Nottingham Forest | 2022–2024 | 81 | 2 |
| Bologna | 2024– | 57 | 2 |
| Total | 536 | 44 |
| Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Serie A | 280 | 20 |
| Swiss Super League | 135 | 17 |
| Cups and Europe | 121 | 7 |
| Total | 536 | 44 |
International statistics
Remo Freuler has earned 85 caps for the Switzerland senior national team, scoring 11 goals, as of 19 November 2025.[58] His international career spans various competitions, showcasing consistent involvement in qualifiers and major tournaments. Freuler's contributions have been particularly notable in defensive midfield roles during qualification campaigns and high-stakes matches. The following table summarizes Freuler's appearances and goals by year and competition:| Year | Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | UEFA Euro Qualifiers | 1 | 0 |
| 2015 | UEFA Euro Qualifiers | 3 | 0 |
| Friendlies | 1 | 0 | |
| 2016 | Friendlies | 2 | 0 |
| 2017 | World Cup Qualifiers | 3 | 0 |
| 2018 | World Cup Qualifiers | 4 | 1 |
| FIFA World Cup | 3 | 0 | |
| 2019 | UEFA Euro Qualifiers | 5 | 1 |
| Friendlies | 3 | 1 | |
| 2020 | UEFA Euro Qualifiers | 6 | 1 |
| UEFA Nations League | 3 | 0 | |
| 2021 | UEFA Euro Qualifiers | 4 | 0 |
| UEFA Nations League | 4 | 1 | |
| UEFA European Championship | 5 | 0 | |
| 2022 | UEFA Nations League | 3 | 0 |
| Friendlies | 2 | 0 | |
| FIFA World Cup | 4 | 1 | |
| 2023 | UEFA Euro Qualifiers | 5 | 2 |
| UEFA Nations League | 3 | 1 | |
| Friendlies | 2 | 0 | |
| 2024 | UEFA Euro Qualifiers | 5 | 0 |
| UEFA European Championship | 4 | 1 | |
| Friendlies | 3 | 0 | |
| 2025 | World Cup Qualifiers | 8 | 2 |
| UEFA Nations League | 3 | 0 | |
| Total | UEFA Euro Qualifiers | 29 | 4 |
| World Cup Qualifiers | 20 | 3 | |
| UEFA Nations League | 16 | 2 | |
| Friendlies | 13 | 1 | |
| Major Tournaments | 16 | 2 | |
| Grand Total | 85 | 11 |
