The women's team of 1. FC Union Berlin have secured the services of midfielder Leonie Köster. The 23-year-old joins from Swiss first division side FC Basel 1893.

Adaptable player in the middle

Born in Munich, Leonie Köster took her first steps in football at TSV Grünwald and SC München before moving to the youth ranks of FC Bayern in 2015. There she gained experience in both the B-Junior Bundesliga and the 2. Bundesliga. The 5’5” midfielder won the German championship with the B juniors before winning the second division title with Bayern II in 2019.

In 2020, Köster moved to SG Eintracht Frankfurt, where she made her Bundesliga debut coming on as a substitute on matchday two against SGS Essen. Köster has also played for all Germany’s youth teams up to the under-19s. Her greatest successes include second place at the 2018 European U17 Championships and a silver medal with the U19 team at the European Championships the following year.

Köster moved to FC Basel 1893 in the summer of 2023. In 36 appearances in red & blue, she scored six goals and set up two more. She and her team finished the winter in second place in the Women's Super League.

Three facts about Leonie Köster

• As a child, Köster was a fan of the beloved football film ‘Die Wilden Kerle’. Central character Vanessa inspired her. As a result, her mother enrolled her in the local football club.
• She has also made 139 professional appearances.
• Leonie Köster is the proud owner of a golden retriever.

The views on the signing

‘It's impressive how 1. FC Union Berlin have developed over the past few years and how the team's football has inspired the fans,” said Köster on the signing of her deal with Union. “The club's clear vision fits in perfectly with my own goals and that's why I'm even more excited about our journey together.”

Jennifer Zietz, Director of Women's Professional Football at 1. FC Union Berlin, commented meanwhile: “Leonie is a young midfielder who combines attacking and defensive strengths and will be a key addition to our team. She brings a lot of experience from both Germany and abroad, which is why we are delighted to welcome her to our team.”