Happy birthday, Niklas Stark!

Niklas Stark joined Hertha BSC in August 2015 with the reputation of being one of Germany’s best young centre-backs. He soon demonstrated that quality with the Old Lady, earning himself a regular place at the heart of the capital club’s defence, although the Hertha number 5 has also shown his versatility: “I see myself as a centre-back first and foremost, but of course I will play wherever I can help the team best. I always give everything for the win, whether that’s in defence or as a holding midfielder,” says Stark.

Bundesliga experience before arriving in Berlin

The 1.90-metre-tall defender came through the 1. FC Nürnberg academy, where he worked his way up to the first team. His Bundesliga debut came on 27th April 2013 and regular top-flight appearances followed throughout 2013/14, albeit a campaign which ended in FCN’s relegation. After continuing to demonstrate his ability in the second tier, he was rewarded with a move to Hertha BSC in August 2015, where he has since featured 194 times in all competitions, scoring eight goals. Stark earned his first senior Germany call-up in March 2019, and his first of two caps followed in November later that year in a European qualifier against Northern Ireland. Now 27 years of age, Niklas Stark can look back on lots of success in his youth international career. He was part of Germany’s winning teams at both the 2014 UEFA European Under-19 Championship and the 2017 UEFA Under-21 Championship, featuring in the Team of the Tournament on both occasions too. The defender was also awarded a Fritz Walter Medal in gold in the U19s category in 2014.  

On his birthday, Hertha BSC would like to wish Niklas Stark all the best, good health and further success in his career!