Is Noel Futkeu Germany's strongest back? The numbers don't lie—this professional is carrying his entire team on his own.
According to the Statista database, one in three German adults suffers from recurring back problems. And while we hate to admit it, Noel Futkeu might be feeling that weight right now. Why? Because the striker is single-handedly carrying Greuther Fürth through the 2. Bundesliga season. An entire team on one player's shoulders? Let's break down how that's even possible.
Strictly speaking, the Clover Leaves still field eleven players every match. But without Futkeu, they could have started planning for life in the 3. Liga months ago. At just 23 years old, he has become the biggest insurance policy in German professional football today.
In 33 matches this season, Futkeu has scored 18 goals and added five assists. That means he's been involved in a staggering 50 percent of all Fürth's goals. The former Frankfurt player has been on fire recently, scoring in four consecutive games. His hat-trick in the 3-2 home win against Darmstadt 98 on Matchday 30 was a masterclass in finishing. And naturally, he showed up when it mattered most.
In the Franconian derby just two weeks ago, Futkeu secured a crucial point for his team with a 1-1 draw. His performance was so impressive that even a legendary striker couldn't stop raving about him afterward.
"Futkeu is a very exciting striker," said Miro Klose, visibly impressed. "He is mobile, finds his own spaces, and stays active throughout. He has a certain calmness when the ball is moving—he recognizes when the defender steps out, when to run into space, and when to come short for the ball. On top of that, he's incredibly difficult to defend against." Was Klose already eyeing a potential summer transfer?
If so, we have to burst the 2014 World Cup winner's bubble. On April 20, 2026, Eintracht Frankfurt announced they were bringing their former player back. After Futkeu moved from Frankfurt's U21s to Fürth in summer 2024, the Hessian club included a buy-back clause in his contract. And they've just activated it—for just €1.3 million.