Overview
- Freiburg advanced to the Europa League final with a 3-1 semi‑final win over Sporting Braga and will play Aston Villa in Istanbul.
- Midfielder Nicolas Höfler said he felt proud and almost disbelief after the win, and he plans to retire after the final.
- Christian Streich ended his long tenure in 2024, Julian Schuster took over, and he led Freiburg to a top‑five Bundesliga finish and earned Coach of the Year honors.
- The club’s new stadium, opened in October 2021, and longer‑term regional sponsorships expanded revenue, which supported a stronger squad and steadier results.
- Freiburg leaned on youth and academy talent, with returns like Matthias Ginter’s in 2022 marking the club’s pull, while ex‑striker Nils Petersen says success may now raise expectations.