Denis Undav is the new captain of VfB Stuttgart

According to Sports.

Context

Denis Undav, now captain of VfB Stuttgart, succeeds Atakan Karazor, who has played a significant role in the team in recent years. Undav's leadership is seen as continuing the club's tradition of influential captains, following in the footsteps of figures such as Thomas Hitzlsperger and Christian Gentner. His ability to bring the team together and motivate teammates will be key for Stuttgart in the competitive Bundesliga.

Why this matters

The appointment of Denis Undav as the new captain of VfB Stuttgart is a significant milestone for the club, especially with the start of the Bundesliga just around the corner. With the responsibility of leading the team, Undav brings experience and a strong connection with the fans, which could be crucial to the team's performance in the league. Your leadership can positively influence the atmosphere in the dressing room and the team's morale, especially in important games such as the clash with Bayern Munich.

Main conclusions

Denis Undav is the new captain of VfB Stuttgart.
Stuttgart announces Denis Undav as new captain, succeeding Atakan Karazor.
Denis Undav named new VfB Stuttgart Captain.

VfB Stuttgart has appointed Denis Undav as the new captain of the first team. The 30-year-old German striker succeeds Atakan Karazor, who wore the armband in the last two seasons and will remain in the club's memory as the man who lifted the German Cup in 2025. The choice fell on one of the most influential players on the squad and arrives on the eve of the start of the Bundesliga, with the Swabians taking on Bayern Munich this Friday.

Sebastian Hoeneß, Stuttgart coach, justified the appointment by highlighting Undav's maturity and leadership capacity. According to the coach, the attacker “has already taken on a lot of responsibility, is always in close contact with the coaching staff and colleagues and enjoys great respect”. On the field, he added, he is a key part of the team's model and has been decisive for the Swabians' recent good results.

Upon assuming the armband, Undav did not hide his pride in the vote of confidence. "Stuttgart and VfB have become a second home for me and my family. Captaining this club, with its incredible history and fans, is a great honor. I will wear the armband with pride and if I can do it almost as well as Ata in recent years, I will have done a lot of things right," said the striker.

The appointment places Undav on the historic list of captains for the Stuttgart club, becoming the 24th to hold the position. Reference predecessors include names such as Thomas Hitzlsperger, Christian Gentner and Gonzalo Castro, symbols of leadership that marked different phases of the club.

In sporting terms, Undav is preparing to start his fourth season playing for Stuttgart. The numbers confirm his influence: he has 46 goals and 20 assists in the Bundesliga for the Swabians, a record that helps explain his rise to leadership in the dressing room. With the championship kick-off just around the corner, against the powerful Bayern, the choice also aims to reinforce the continuity and competitive stability of the project led by Hoeneß.

Karazor, for his part, leaves the armband with an image of a dignified and respected captain, after two seasons at the helm and the trophy won in 2025. Stuttgart enters the new season with Undav as the face of leadership, trying to continue the recent growth and face with ambition the challenge of the opening game and the long Bundesliga calendar to come.

What happens next

With Undav's debut as captain set for the opening Bundesliga game against Bayern, all eyes will be on his performance. Coach Sebastian Hoeneß hopes Undav's experience will help guide the team through critical moments. How Undav adapts to his new role could define not only his personal success, but also the direction of VfB Stuttgart this season.

Frequently asked questions

What happened to VfB Stuttgart?

VfB Stuttgart has appointed Denis Undav as the new captain of the first team.

Who confirmed the appointment of Denis Undav as captain?

The appointment was confirmed by Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeneß.

Why has Denis Undav been named captain now?

Undav's selection as captain comes on the eve of the start of the Bundesliga, with Stuttgart facing Bayern Munich.

What changes have occurred in the VfB Stuttgart team?

Denis Undav succeeds Atakan Karazor, who was captain for the last two seasons.

How important is Denis Undav's appointment as captain?

Undav is considered one of the most influential players on the squad and his leadership is seen as crucial to the team's good results.