Eleven Years and Counting for the Captain
Christopher Trimmel to Stay at Union
He has long since secured his place in the club's history – but the story is far from over yet. 1. FC Union Berlin and Christopher Trimmel have agreed on a contract extension, meaning the Austrian will enter his twelfth season with the club. After more than 350 games in the Union shirt, there are surely plenty more to follow.
After it all began in Karlsruhe...
Christopher Trimmel's career at Union began in the summer of 2014, showing immediately in his very first game, away at Karlsruher SC, what he could bring to the team. Not only did he prove his defensive stability, he also made his mark going forward. In the years that followed, ‘Trimmi’ continued to develop and became an indispensable member of the team. Four years later, he was appointed club captain – a role he continues to proudly fulfil to this day.
His contribution to Union's historic promotion to the Bundesliga in 2019 remains unforgettable. It was his precise corner in the first leg of the relegation play-off against VfB Stuttgart, which Marvin Friedrich headed home to make it 2-2, he laid the foundation for the club's entry into Germany's top flight.
...his path led towards Europe...
After promotion, Trimmel proved his qualities at the highest level. He was a constant presence on the right wing, playing a key role in the team's development. Early survival in the Bundesliga in his first season was followed by qualification for the 2021 UEFA Europa Conference League. A year later, the club made the leap into the Europa League, but the next sensation was not long in coming. In 2022/2023, Union qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the first time.
... and on to legendary status.
On the last matchday of last season, Trimmel played the full 90 minutes against SC Freiburg, leading his team to the 2-1 victory that secured their place in the league. Now in his eleventh season for Union, the captain continues to prove his importance. With 22 competitive appearances so far in 2024/25, he has surpassed the 350-game mark for Union, cementing his status as 1. FC Union Berlin's most capped player.
Reactions to the extension
“I've been wearing the Union shirt for so many years now and it still feels special," said a delighted Trimmel on the announcement of his extension. "Together, we have celebrated incredible successes and helped bring the club to where it is today. For me, Union have long been more than just a club; Union has become a second home. That's why I'm very happy to continue being part of this story and to work hard with the team every day to always show them at their best."
"Christopher embodies Union like no other player," said Union's director of men's professional football, Horst Heldt, on the captain's new deal. "He is a role model both on and off the pitch, gives the team stability, bringing all his experience to bear. His importance to the club goes far beyond the sporting arena, because such a close bond between a player and a club is very rare in professional football today. We are very happy to be able to continue counting on him."