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Robin Koch
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Robin Leon Koch (German pronunciation: [ˈʁɔbɪn ˈkɔx];[3][4] born 17 July 1996) is a German professional footballer who plays as a centre-back or defensive midfielder for Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt and the Germany national team.[5]
Key Information
Koch made his first-team debut for 1. FC Kaiserslautern after graduated from the club's youth system and also played in Bundesliga with SC Freiburg. He has previously played for Eintracht Trier II, Eintracht Trier, 1. FC Kaiserslautern II, 1. FC Kaiserslautern and SC Freiburg. He was included in the Germany U21 team before joining the first-team in November 2019. In August 2020, he signed for Leeds United ahead of their Premier League return and in 2021, represented Germany at UEFA Euro 2020.
Club career
[edit]Early career
[edit]Koch was born in Kaiserslautern and joined 1. FC Kaiserslautern's academy at the age of five, but switched to SV Dörbach when his family moved to Salmtal.[6] He joined Eintracht Trier's academy in 2009,[7] and despite the fact that "he was never seen as a superstar talent" according to his childhood best friend, he was invited to regional trials by the German Football Association in 2011.[6] He was promoted to Trier's first team in 2014,[8] and made his debut on 22 September 2014 in a 0–0 draw with TuS Koblenz.[5] He scored his first senior goal on 22 November 2014 in a 4–2 victory over SpVgg Neckarelz; A low shot in the 25th minute to put Eintracht Trier 1–0 up.[5][9] He appeared in 23 league matches for Eintracht Trier across the 2014–15 season, scoring two goals,[10] whilst he also appeared 6 times for their reserve side.
1. FC Kaiserslautern
[edit]In 2015, Koch moved to 1. FC Kaiserslautern, initially joining their reserve side.[11] Though he was the son of Kaiserslautern legend Harry Koch, he "tried hard not to live on his father's reputation", living an "unglamorous lifestyle" and "staying off the grid" at Kaiserslautern.[8] He scored once in 26 appearances for Kaiserslautern's reserves in the 2015–16 season.[12] Koch signed his first professional contract with the club in September 2016, with the contract lasting until the summer of 2019.[13] His debut for Kaiserslautern came on 2 October 2016, starting in a 0–0 draw against Arminia Bielefeld in the 2. Bundesliga.[14][15] He made 24 appearances for Kaiserslautern during the 2016–17 season,[16] and attracted the interest of multiple Bundesliga clubs according to his father Harry.[17]
SC Freiburg
[edit]On 22 August 2017, Koch moved to Bundesliga side SC Freiburg. The transfer fee paid to Kaiserslautern was reported as €3.5 million.[18] He made his Bundesliga debut for Freiburg on 22 October 2017 against Hertha Berlin in a 1–1 draw.[5] He scored his first goal for the club on 13 January 2018 in a 1–1 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt.[19]
Leeds United
[edit]On 29 August 2020, Koch joined newly-promoted Premier League club Leeds United on a four-year deal,[20][21] for a transfer fee that was reported to be £13 million.[22] He was signed as a replacement for former loanee Ben White, who was deemed to be too expensive to sign permanently.[8] Koch made his Premier League debut for Leeds in the first match of the season against Liverpool on 12 September 2020, starting in the 3–4 defeat at Anfield to the reigning champions.[23][24] Koch was described as having a 'rough debut',[23] having given away the penalty resulting in Liverpool's first goal despite the fact that the ball deflected off his thigh, before failing to mark Virgil van Dijk for Liverpool's second.[24] Koch was substituted in the ninth minute of a 3–1 defeat to Chelsea on 5 December after a recurrence of a knee injury suffered in the opening game of the season, and subsequently underwent knee surgery.[25][26] He made his return to the first team as a late substitute against Fulham on 19 March 2021.[27] Following the appointment of Jesse Marsch as manager at Leeds, and a switch to zonal marking,[28] Koch appeared to take a step up in his game and became a regular starter in central defence towards the end of the 2021–22 season and into 2022–23.
Eintracht Frankfurt
[edit]On 6 July 2023, Koch joined Eintracht Frankfurt on loan for the 2023–24 season.[29] Later that year, on 21 September, he scored his first goal in a 2–1 victory over Aberdeen in the Conference League.[30] On 9 January 2024, Koch agreed to join Eintracht Frankfurt on a permanent contract at the end of his loan spell, signing a contract until June 2027.[31] In June 2025, he extended his contract until 2030.[32] He became the club's captain ahead of 2025–26 season, succeeding Kevin Trapp.[33]
International career
[edit]Youth
[edit]Having been called up to Germany's under-21 squad in October 2018,[34] Koch was part of the Germany U21's squad who finished runner up at the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship after losing the final to Spain in June 2019.[35]
Senior
[edit]Koch received his first call-up to the German senior squad in October 2019.[36] He debuted the same year on 9 October in a friendly match against Argentina, playing the whole match.[37] His competitive debut occurred on 16 November, starting in the 4–0 UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier victory against Belarus.[38]
Koch was called up to the Germany squad on 26 August 2020 for the UEFA Nations League fixtures against Spain and Switzerland.[39] On 19 May 2021, he was selected to the squad for the UEFA Euro 2020.[40] On 7 June 2024, he was named in Germany's squad for UEFA Euro 2024.[41]
Style of play
[edit]Koch plays mainly as a centre-back, but can also play as a defensive midfielder or as a central midfielder.[42][43] He is described as a ball playing centre-back and his style of play has been compared to that of Javi Martínez.[44]
Personal life
[edit]He is the son of former professional footballer Harry Koch.[18] His younger brother Louis plays for SV Alsenborn.[8]
Career statistics
[edit]Club
[edit]- As of match played 14 February 2026
| Club | Season | League | National cup[a] | League cup[b] | Europe | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Eintracht Trier | 2014–15[45] | Regionalliga Südwest | 23 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 23 | 2 | ||
| Eintracht Trier II | 2014–15 | Rheinlandliga | 6 | 0 | — | — | — | 6 | 0 | |||
| 1. FC Kaiserslautern | 2015–16[45] | 2. Bundesliga | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2016–17[45] | 2. Bundesliga | 24 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 24 | 0 | |||
| 2017–18[45] | 2. Bundesliga | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 4 | 0 | |||
| Total | 27 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 28 | 0 | ||||
| 1. FC Kaiserslautern II | 2015–16[45] | Regionalliga Südwest | 24 | 1 | — | — | — | 24 | 1 | |||
| 2016–17[45] | Regionalliga Südwest | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 3 | 0 | ||||
| Total | 27 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 27 | 1 | ||||
| SC Freiburg | 2017–18[45] | Bundesliga | 26 | 2 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 28 | 2 | ||
| 2018–19[45] | Bundesliga | 24 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 25 | 1 | |||
| 2019–20[45] | Bundesliga | 32 | 1 | 2 | 1 | — | — | 34 | 2 | |||
| Total | 82 | 4 | 5 | 1 | — | — | 87 | 5 | ||||
| Leeds United | 2020–21[46] | Premier League | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 17 | 0 | |
| 2021–22[47] | Premier League | 20 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 21 | 0 | ||
| 2022–23[48] | Premier League | 36 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 39 | 0 | ||
| Total | 73 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 77 | 0 | |||
| Eintracht Frankfurt (loan) | 2023–24[c][45] | Bundesliga | 31 | 2 | 3 | 0 | — | 8[d] | 2 | 42 | 4 | |
| Eintracht Frankfurt | 2024–25 | Bundesliga | 30 | 3 | 3 | 0 | — | 10[e] | 0 | 43 | 3 | |
| 2025–26 | Bundesliga | 22 | 3 | 2 | 0 | — | 7[f] | 0 | 31 | 3 | ||
| Frankfurt total | 83 | 7 | 8 | 0 | — | 25 | 2 | 116 | 9 | |||
| Career total | 321 | 15 | 17 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 25 | 2 | 366 | 18 | ||
- ^ Includes DFB-Pokal, FA Cup
- ^ Includes EFL Cup
- ^ Part of this season was spent on loan from Leeds United
- ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa Conference League
- ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa League
- ^ Appearances in UEFA Champions League
International
[edit]- As of match played 7 September 2025[5]
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 2019 | 2 | 0 |
| 2020 | 5 | 0 | |
| 2021 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2025 | 3 | 0 | |
| Total | 15 | 0 | |
Honours
[edit]Germany U21
- UEFA European Under-21 Championship runner-up: 2019[35]
individual
- UEFA Europa League Team of the Season: 2024–25[49]
References
[edit]- ^ "Robin Koch". DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
- ^ "Robin Koch". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
- ^ Krech, Eva-Maria; Stock, Eberhard; Hirschfeld, Ursula; Anders, Lutz Christian (2009). Deutsches Aussprachewörterbuch [German Pronunciation Dictionary] (in German). Berlin: Walter de Gruyter. pp. 675, 878. ISBN 978-3-11-018202-6.
- ^ Dudenredaktion; Kleiner, Stefan; Knöbl, Ralf (2015) [First published 1962]. Das Aussprachewörterbuch [The Pronunciation Dictionary] (in German) (7th ed.). Berlin: Dudenverlag. p. 514. ISBN 978-3-411-04067-4.
- ^ a b c d e "Robin Koch". WorldFootball.net. HEIM:SPIEL. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
- ^ a b "Ganz der Vater ..." Volksfreund. 16 March 2011. Retrieved 29 May 2022.
- ^ "Robin Koch | Laufbahn | Spielerprofil". kicker. Retrieved 29 May 2022.
- ^ a b c d Hay, Phil; Honigstein, Raphael. "Robin Koch's journey from Germany to Bielsa's Leeds". The New York Times. Retrieved 29 May 2022.
- ^ "Robin Koch löst die Bremse". eintracht-trier.com (in German). SV Eintracht Trier 05. 24 November 2014. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
- ^ "Robin Koch | Spieler Einsätze | Eintracht Trier | Regionalliga Südwest 2014/15". kicker.
- ^ "EINTRACHT-ECKE". Volksfreund (in German). 19 May 2015. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
- ^ "Robin Koch | Spieler Einsätze | 1. FC Kaiserslautern II | Regionalliga Südwest 2015/16".
- ^ "2. Bundesliga: 1. FC Kaiserslautern bindet Robin Koch". Sport1.de. 30 September 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
- ^ Sperk, Oliver (2 October 2016). "Robin Koch in der Startelf des 1. FC Kaiserslautern – Pfalz". Die Rheinpfalz (in German). Retrieved 29 August 2020.
- ^ Konzok, Horst; Sperk, Oliver (2 October 2016). "FCK scheitert wieder an sich selbst – FCK". Die Rheinpfalz (in German).
- ^ "Robin Koch | Spieler Einsätze | 1. FC Kaiserslautern | 2. Bundesliga 2016/17". kicker. Retrieved 29 May 2022.
- ^ "Vater: Koch hat Angebote aus Bundesliga | Goal.com". www.goal.com. Retrieved 29 May 2022.
- ^ a b "Wende: Lauterns Koch doch nach Freiburg". kicker Online (in German). 22 August 2017. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
- ^ "Freiburgs Robin Koch: "Das war ein ganz besonderer Moment für mich"". bundesliga.com (in German). Bundesliga. 14 January 2018. Retrieved 31 August 2020.
- ^ "Leeds United seal deal for Robin Koch". leedsunited.com. 29 August 2020.
- ^ "Robin Koch joins Premier League side Leeds United". scfreiburg.com. 29 August 2020.
- ^ "Leeds beat Tottenham to clinch £13m Koch signing". Goal. 30 August 2020.
- ^ a b "Liverpool 4–3 Leeds United: 'Premier League return magnificently chaotic for Marcelo Bielsa's club'". BBC Sport. 12 September 2020. Retrieved 14 September 2020.
- ^ a b Hunter, Andy (12 September 2020). "Liverpool finally sink Leeds with Mo Salah hat-trick in thriller". The Observer. ISSN 0029-7712. Retrieved 14 September 2020.
- ^ "Robin Koch: Leeds defender to have knee surgery after being injured at Chelsea". Sky Sports. 8 December 2020. Retrieved 14 March 2021.
- ^ "Robin Koch: Leeds defender out for three months after knee surgery". BBC Sport. 9 December 2020. Retrieved 14 March 2021.
- ^ "Fulham 1-2 Leeds". BBC. 19 March 2021. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- ^ "Robin Koch shares biggest difference at Leeds United under Jesse Marsch". MOTLeedsNews. 17 March 2022. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
- ^ "Robin Koch verstärkt Defensive" [Robin Koch strengthens defense] (in German). Eintracht Frankfurt. 6 July 2023.
- ^ "Robin Koch köpft Eintracht Frankfurt zum Sieg über Aberdeen" (in German). hessenschau.de. 21 September 2023.
- ^ "Robin Koch: Leeds United defender signs permanent Eintracht Frankfurt deal". BBC. 9 January 2024. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
- ^ "Robin Koch extends contract". Eintracht Frankfurt. 10 June 2025.
- ^ "Koch named new captain". Eintracht Frankfurt. 17 August 2025.
- ^ "Neu bei der U 21: Mittelstädt, Koch und Sabiri". German Football Association (in German). Retrieved 3 September 2020.
- ^ a b "Spain 2=1". UEFA. 28 August 2020.
- ^ "Löw nominiert auch Rudy und Koch nach". Kicker (in German). 7 September 2019. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
- ^ "Robin wer? Blitz-Debütant Koch plötzlich "verdammt gut"" [Robin who? Blitz debutant Koch suddenly "damn good"]. Münstersche Zeitung (in German). 10 October 2019. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
- ^ Blahak, Mirko (16 November 2019). "Fußball: Ex-Trierer löst mit Nationalelf das EM-Ticket". Volksfreund (in German). Retrieved 31 August 2020.
- ^ "Niklas Süle and Florian Neuhaus called up to Germany squad to face Spain and Switzerland". Bundesliga. 26 August 2020.
- ^ "EM-Kader offiziell: Löw beruft Müller, Hummels und Volland". Kicker (in German). 19 May 2021. Retrieved 19 May 2021.
- ^ "UEFA Euro 2024: All squads and players full list". Olympics. 7 June 2024. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
- ^ "How Robin Koch compares to Ben White as Leeds United step up interest in defender". Leeds Live. 28 August 2020.
- ^ "Robin Koch: Meet Freiburg's Latest National Team Player". Fussballstadt. 28 August 2020.
- ^ "Robin Koch: Who is Germany's international defender starring for Freiburg?". Bundesliga. 28 August 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Robin Koch". kicker (in German). Retrieved 28 August 2020.
- ^ "Games played by Robin Koch in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
- ^ "Games played by Robin Koch in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
- ^ "Games played by Robin Koch in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
- ^ "2024/25 UEFA Europa League Team of the Season". UEFA. 22 May 2025.
External links
[edit]- Profile at the Leeds United F.C. website
- Robin Koch at WorldFootball.net
- Robin Koch at Soccerway
- Robin Koch at fussballdaten.de (in German)
- Robin Koch at National-Football-Teams.com
Germany squads | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Robin Koch
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life and personal background
Early life
Robin Koch was born on 17 July 1996 in Kaiserslautern, Germany, to parents including his father, Harry Koch, a former professional footballer.[11][2] His father had a notable career as a central defender, playing over 250 matches for 1. FC Kaiserslautern between 1995 and 2003 and contributing to their 1998 Bundesliga title win.[11][12] Koch spent his childhood in the Kaiserslautern area, specifically growing up in the nearby village of Salmtal in south-west Germany, within a football-oriented family environment.[12] He led a simple, unassuming early life there, often spending time with his best friend Simon Berg, including working as paper boys to earn pocket money of around €30 per week.[12] This setting fostered a grounded upbringing, far removed from the pressures of elite sports at a young age. From around the age of five, Koch developed a strong interest in football through informal play with peers in his local community, marking the beginning of his passion for the sport.[12] His obsession with football extended to everyday life, leading to challenges such as poor performance in school gym class, where he received mediocre grades in gymnastics and was described by family and friends as a "terrible loser" due to his intense focus on the game.[12] Despite these early hurdles, Koch harbored dreams of becoming a professional player, a goal that his father noted only became truly serious around age 16, though the seeds were planted much earlier through these non-competitive experiences.[12]Family
Koch maintains a close relationship with his girlfriend, Vanessa Berg, with the couple announcing in December 2024 that they were expecting their first child together.[13] Details regarding their family life remain largely private, with no further public information on the child's birth or additional expansions available as of late 2025. Throughout his career transitions, Koch has emphasized the vital support from his family in navigating challenges such as relocating to England for his stint at Leeds United from 2020 to 2023, where he balanced professional demands with personal adjustments to a new culture while staying connected to relatives back home.[14] Upon his return to Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023, this familial backing continued to aid his reintegration, allowing him to focus on his role as a key defender.[3] Koch's ongoing family ties include his younger brother, Louis Koch, who has followed in the family tradition by playing football at a semi-professional level for SV Alsenborn in the lower divisions of German football.[12] This connection underscores the enduring influence of his father, Harry Koch, a former professional footballer whose guidance shaped Robin's approach to the sport from an early age.[12]Club career
Early career
Koch began his organized involvement in football at the age of five, joining the youth academy of 1. FC Kaiserslautern in 2001, where he received his initial structured training in the sport.[2] Influenced by his father, Harry Koch—a former professional defender who had played over 250 matches for the same club—Robin developed an early passion for football and followed in his footsteps by starting young.[11][15] In 2003, at age seven, he transferred to the local amateur club SV Dörbach in Rhineland-Palatinate, progressing through their youth ranks until 2009 and building foundational skills in regional setups.[2][12] Koch then moved to the youth system of SV Eintracht Trier 05 in 2009, at age 13, continuing his development within Rhineland-Palatinate's competitive youth environment.[2] As a teenager, he transitioned to semi-professional exposure with Eintracht Trier's senior side in the Regionalliga (fourth tier), debuting in the 2014-15 season and gaining valuable experience against adult opponents.[16][3] This period marked key developmental milestones, including rapid physical growth to 1.92 meters in height, which enhanced his suitability as a center-back, a position he focused on early with guidance from his father on defensive tactics.[2][12]1. FC Kaiserslautern
Robin Koch joined 1. FC Kaiserslautern in 2015 at the age of 19, returning to his hometown club after developing at SV Eintracht Trier in the fourth tier.[17] As the son of former Kaiserslautern defender Harry Koch, who made over 250 appearances for the club in the 1990s and early 2000s, Robin began his time there with the reserve team in the Regionalliga Südwest, where he featured in 24 matches during the 2015–16 season and scored once.[11] This period allowed him to build experience and adapt to the demands of semi-professional football while occasionally training with the senior squad. In the summer of 2016, Koch signed his first professional contract with Kaiserslautern, extending his stay until 2018 and marking his transition to full-time professional status.[17] His senior debut came shortly after on 2 October 2016 in a 0–0 draw against FC St. Pauli in the 2. Bundesliga, where he started as a centre-back.[18] It was in 2016–17 that he truly broke through, starting regularly and accumulating 24 league outings as a key part of the defense. Koch's development at Kaiserslautern was tested amid the team's precarious position, as they fought to avoid relegation in the 2016–17 campaign, ultimately finishing 14th.[3] A notable early start came in a challenging match against Hannover 96 later that season, highlighting his composure under pressure as a young defender in a high-stakes environment.[12] Over his tenure, he totaled 27 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga, establishing himself as a reliable squad member before departing for SC Freiburg in August 2017.[19]SC Freiburg
Koch joined SC Freiburg from 1. FC Kaiserslautern on August 22, 2017, for a transfer fee of €3.5 million, arriving as a promising defender in the Bundesliga. He quickly established himself in the first team, making his Bundesliga debut on October 22, 2017, in a 1–1 draw against Hertha Berlin. During the 2017–18 season, Koch featured in 27 matches across all competitions, scoring once, as Freiburg secured a narrow 15th-place finish to avoid relegation.[20] Over the subsequent seasons, Koch became a regular starter, showcasing his reliability in the top flight through the 2019–20 campaign. In 2018–19, he appeared in 33 games, netting two goals and providing one assist, contributing to Freiburg's mid-table stability with a 13th-place finish and eight points clear of the relegation zone. The following year, he played 33 matches and scored three goals, helping the team achieve an eighth-place position while demonstrating positional versatility as both a center-back and defensive midfielder.[21][22] Koch also recovered from a knee medial ligament tear in early 2019, missing 37 days but returning to full form without long-term disruption.[23] Throughout his tenure, Koch's standout defensive performances, including strong aerial duels and interception rates, aided Freiburg's pushes toward European qualification, particularly in the 2019–20 season where they hovered in the top half for much of the campaign.[22] He departed the club in August 2020 for Leeds United in a €13 million deal, leaving behind 93 appearances and six goals across all competitions.Leeds United
Koch signed for Leeds United from SC Freiburg on 29 August 2020, joining the newly promoted Premier League club on a four-year contract for a reported fee of £13 million (approximately €13.5 million).[24] The transfer was orchestrated under manager Marcelo Bielsa, who sought to bolster the defensive options for Leeds' return to the top flight after 16 years.[6] Koch made an immediate impact, starting in the opening match against Liverpool on 12 September 2020, though Leeds suffered a 4–3 defeat at Anfield. In his debut 2020–21 season, Koch featured in 24 Premier League appearances, helping Leeds secure a respectable ninth-place finish with 59 points—their highest league position since 2002. His contributions included solid performances in a high-pressing system that emphasized defensive recovery and ball-playing from the back, aligning with Bielsa's tactical demands.[25] However, injuries began to affect his availability the following campaign; a knee issue sustained in December 2020 lingered, limiting him to 20 Premier League outings in 2021–22 as Leeds finished 17th. His selection for Germany's UEFA Euro 2020 squad in June 2021 provided international exposure but delayed his preseason preparations, contributing to a slower start upon returning to club duties.[26] Koch adapted progressively to the Premier League's intensity, featuring in 36 matches across all competitions during the 2022–23 season amid a squad plagued by injuries. He often partnered with Liam Cooper or Pascal Struijk in central defense, providing versatility and leadership in a campaign where Leeds battled relegation before surviving on the final day with a 17th-place finish. Over his tenure, spanning more than 70 total appearances, Koch's physicality and aerial prowess enhanced Leeds' defensive solidity, particularly in set-piece situations, though recurring fitness issues occasionally disrupted his rhythm.[27] Koch joined Eintracht Frankfurt on a season-long loan in July 2023, with an agreement for a permanent transfer effective from July 2024. Following Leeds' relegation at the end of the 2023–24 season, he completed the move permanently.Eintracht Frankfurt
Robin Koch joined Eintracht Frankfurt on a season-long loan from Leeds United on 6 July 2023.[7] The move marked his return to the Bundesliga after two seasons in England, where he sought to revive his career as a central defender. In January 2024, Frankfurt reached an agreement with Koch for a permanent three-year contract starting from July 2024, upon the end of his loan and Leeds contract.[28] During the 2023–24 season, Koch featured in 31 Bundesliga matches, scoring 2 goals, with his debut strike coming in a 2–1 UEFA Europa Conference League victory over Aberdeen on 21 September 2023.[29] His contributions were instrumental in Frankfurt's defensive solidity, helping the team advance to the round of 16 in the competition before elimination by Union Saint-Gilloise.[30] Koch's integration bolstered the backline amid a transitional campaign, as Frankfurt finished sixth in the league and qualified for European football the following year. In the 2024–25 season, Koch elevated his impact with 43 appearances across all competitions and 3 goals, showcasing versatility in both defensive and set-piece roles. His performances earned him 16 instances wearing the captain's armband, often in key fixtures. This leadership culminated in his official appointment as club captain for the 2025–26 season by head coach Dino Toppmöller in August 2025, succeeding Kevin Trapp.[31] Koch extended his contract until 2030 in June 2025, affirming his commitment amid interest from other clubs.[8] As of November 2025, Koch serves as a pivotal defensive leader for Frankfurt, anchoring the backline in their competitive Bundesliga push and European campaigns, including the UEFA Champions League. In the 2025–26 season to date, he has made 12 appearances and scored 1 goal across all competitions. His experience from Euro 2024 with Germany provided valuable match sharpness, though it briefly delayed his preseason preparations. Koch's commanding presence and organizational skills have solidified his status as a cornerstone of the squad.International career
Youth career
Koch received his first call-up to a Germany national youth team at the under-21 level in October 2018, marking the start of his international youth career.[32] He made his debut for the Germany U21 side in 2018 and quickly became a regular, earning a total of five caps without scoring. His performances demonstrated strong defensive organization, helping to solidify the backline during qualifiers and friendlies. Koch's club form at SC Freiburg, where he had established himself as a reliable centre-back since joining in 2017, played a key role in earning these selections.[32][33] Koch was included in the Germany U21 squad for the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship held in Italy and San Marino. He featured in the tournament, including as a substitute in the semi-final victory over Romania, contributing to the team's run to the final. Germany ultimately finished as runners-up after a 2-1 defeat to Spain in the final on 30 June 2019.[34][33] Across his youth international appearances, primarily at U21 level, Koch totaled five caps, emphasizing his development as a composed defender capable of high-level competition.[32]Senior career
Koch earned his first senior international cap for Germany on 9 October 2019, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2–2 draw against Argentina during an international friendly match.[11] His competitive debut followed on 16 November 2019, where he started and played 90 minutes in a 4–0 UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying victory over Belarus.[35] Koch's breakthrough performances at SC Freiburg during the 2019–20 Bundesliga season were instrumental in securing his initial call-ups to the senior team.[3] On 3 September 2020, Koch made his UEFA Nations League debut, entering as a substitute in the 90th minute during a 1–1 draw with Spain.[36] He went on to feature in several Nations League and friendly matches that year, including starts against Ukraine and Spain. Koch was named in Germany's 26-man squad for UEFA Euro 2020 on 19 May 2021, though he did not appear in any matches as the team advanced from the group stage before a round of 16 exit against England.[26] Despite consistent club contributions at Leeds United, Koch was not selected for Germany's 2022 FIFA World Cup squad, where the team suffered a group stage elimination. His international opportunities remained sporadic under coach Hansi Flick, with occasional appearances in qualifiers and friendlies. Koch returned to prominence in 2024, earning call-ups based on his solid defending for Eintracht Frankfurt. Koch was included in the final 26-man squad for UEFA Euro 2024, announced on 7 June 2024 by Julian Nagelsmann, remaining an unused substitute as Germany reached the quarter-finals. As of November 2025, Koch has accumulated 15 caps for Germany without scoring any goals.[37] Throughout his senior career, he has served primarily as a reliable squad depth option, providing occasional starts in non-competitive fixtures and qualifiers while offering defensive stability when deployed.Playing attributes and achievements
Style of play
Robin Koch primarily operates as a centre-back, though he demonstrates versatility by occasionally deploying in defensive midfield roles, leveraging his physical presence and tactical awareness. Standing at 192 cm, he excels in aerial duels, rated as "very strong" in this attribute by performance analytics.[38][38] Among his key strengths are a high defensive duel win rate, reaching 72.88% during the 2019–20 Bundesliga season, superior game reading that allows him to anticipate plays effectively, and strong ball-clearing ability under pressure. Koch adapts well to high-pressing systems, such as Marcelo Bielsa's intense tactical setup at Leeds United, where he often drops into a sweeper role to maintain defensive structure during aggressive forward movements.[39][39][38][40] However, Koch exhibits weaknesses in tackling, where he tends to avoid diving into challenges, opting instead for positional play, which can leave him vulnerable in direct confrontations. He has also shown occasional positioning errors, particularly in the high-intensity demands of leagues like the Premier League, contributing to moments of error proneness.[38][38][41] Throughout his career, Koch has evolved from a rangy, physically dominant style suited to the Bundesliga's structured play to a more refined approach in the Premier League, emphasizing progressive passing and build-up involvement from the back. His versatility and composure on the ball have drawn comparisons to Javi Martínez, particularly in transitioning seamlessly between defensive and midfield duties while contributing to possession-based phases.[3][42][43][44]Career statistics
Robin Koch's career statistics encompass his professional appearances and goals across club and international levels, compiled from reliable football databases.Club statistics
The following table provides a breakdown of Koch's appearances and goals in domestic leagues by season.| Season | Club | Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016–17 | 1. FC Kaiserslautern | 2. Bundesliga | 24 | 0 |
| 2017–18 | 1. FC Kaiserslautern | 2. Bundesliga | 3 | 0 |
| 2017–18 | SC Freiburg | Bundesliga | 26 | 2 |
| 2018–19 | SC Freiburg | Bundesliga | 24 | 1 |
| 2019–20 | SC Freiburg | Bundesliga | 32 | 1 |
| 2020–21 | Leeds United | Premier League | 17 | 0 |
| 2021–22 | Leeds United | Premier League | 20 | 0 |
| 2022–23 | Leeds United | Premier League | 36 | 0 |
| 2023–24 | Eintracht Frankfurt | Bundesliga | 31 | 2 |
| 2024–25 | Eintracht Frankfurt | Bundesliga | 30 | 3 |
| 2025–26 | Eintracht Frankfurt | Bundesliga | 10 | 2 |
| Total | 253 | 11 |
| Club | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 1. FC Kaiserslautern | 28 | 0 |
| SC Freiburg | 87 | 5 |
| Leeds United | 77 | 0 |
| Eintracht Frankfurt | 93 | 9 |
| Total | 285 | 14 |
International statistics
Koch has represented Germany at senior and youth levels, with no goals scored in any international match. Senior career| Team | Years | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 2019– | 15 | 0 |
| Team | Years | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany U21 | 2018–2019 | 20 | 0 |
Honours
Robin Koch has achieved limited formal honours in his professional career, primarily at the international youth level, with no major senior team trophies won during his club tenures at SC Freiburg, Leeds United, or Eintracht Frankfurt.[46]International
Germany U21UEFA European Under-21 Championship runner-up: 2019 Koch was part of Germany's squad for UEFA Euro 2024, though the team exited in the quarter-finals without securing a title.