Union Berlin, a club with a rich identity from the eastern part of the German capital, has gone through an extraordinary journey from its days playing in the lower leagues to qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. Without a huge budget or big stars, the team has always stood out thanks to its resilient fighting spirit, cohesive playing style and loyal support from fans. During that journey, many players have left a strong mark, contributing to writing a glorious history for the club. The list below Bestsoccertips.com honors 10 Union Berlin best players, who have not only made an impact on the pitch but also engraved themselves in the minds of fans with their loyalty and dedication.
Top 10 Union Berlin best players
Below is a list of the top 10 best players in Union Berlin’s history, the faces that have contributed significantly to helping the German capital team rise strongly on the European football map.
10. Robert Andrich
Robert Andrich only played for Union Berlin for two seasons (2019–2021), but quickly established himself as a key player in midfield. With his fiery playing style, ability to dictate the tempo of the game, and sharp tactical thinking, Andrich became a mainstay in the club’s first Bundesliga season. He not only provided effective defensive support, but also scored important goals, helping Union stay in the top flight and gradually assert their position in Germany’s top flight.
In the betting context, Andrich is a prominent name in the bets on players receiving cards, number of fouls, and goals from the second line. His high-contact playing style often leads to fierce disputes – a useful factor for players interested in card bets or personal statistics. At the same time, with the role of controlling the midfield, Andrich’s appearance also directly affects Union’s ability to impose gameplay, thereby affecting the over/under or handicap bets in important matches.
9. Grischa Prömel
Grischa Prömel was one of Union Berlin’s most influential central midfielders in the 2017–2022 campaign. He featured throughout the 2018–19 promotion campaign and has continued to maintain consistent form for several seasons in the Bundesliga. With his excellent physical condition, tireless movement and fierce fighting spirit, Prömel has become an important link in Union’s style of play, acting as an effective bridge between defence and attack.
From a betting perspective, Prömel is the type of player who brings value in side bets such as tackles, fouls and bookings. He also influences the tempo of the game, helping Union control the midfield better, thereby influencing Asian handicaps or total goals over/under bets. With his versatility and ability to support both fronts, Prömel’s presence is a reliable basis for players who are analyzing the solidity and cohesion of Union Berlin’s play before each match.
8. Marvin Friedrich
Marvin Friedrich was one of Union Berlin’s most essential centre-backs from 2018 to 2022 a transformative period as the club progressed from the second division to top-tier Bundesliga competition. He made a significant contribution to the 2018–19 promotion season and continued to play a crucial role in the team’s defensive setup during its early Bundesliga campaigns. With an ideal physique, strong aerial ability, and consistent form, Friedrich became a reliable anchor in the backline, earning the trust of both the coach and his teammates.
In the context of betting, Friedrich had a noticeable impact on markets related to defensive solidity and low-scoring outcomes. Matches involving him often featured tight defensive play, making them well-suited for under bets or clean sheet wagers. Additionally, his threat during set pieces made him a viable option in corner or headed goal markets. Identifying key defenders like Friedrich is a vital component of tactical and performance-based analysis before betting on Union Berlin matches.
7. Damir Kreilach
Damir Kreilach was one of the most effective midfielders for Union Berlin during the pre-promotion era. Playing from 2013 to 2018, the Croatian not only served as vice-captain but also acted as the heartbeat of the midfield with his long-range shooting ability, intelligent positioning, and technical finesse. He often delivered decisive goals from the second line of attack, making a difference in key matches while contributing to the club’s consistent presence in the 2. Bundesliga over several seasons.
From a betting angle, Kreilach was a valuable asset in surprise scorer bets or long-range goal props. Having midfielders with such diverse attacking skills allowed Union Berlin to maintain tactical balance an important factor when analyzing Asian handicap lines or total goals markets during the club’s time in the second division. For long-term bettors, understanding stable development phases like the Kreilach era offers foundational knowledge about Union Berlin’s playing identity and strategic tendencies in subsequent seasons.
6. Rafał Gikiewicz
Rafał Gikiewicz played a pivotal role during the 2018–19 campaign a season that marked a major turning point as Union Berlin secured its first-ever promotion to the Bundesliga. As the team’s number one goalkeeper, Gikiewicz impressed with a series of crucial saves, particularly during the tense play-off matches against Stuttgart. His sharp reflexes and composed demeanor between the posts were vital in maintaining the team’s defensive strength and helped usher in a new era for the club.
From a betting perspective, Gikiewicz’s performance and importance offer insights into Union Berlin’s defensive capabilities in under markets, clean sheet props, or first-half no-goal bets. In decisive matches, a standout goalkeeper can be the determining factor something Gikiewicz clearly demonstrated that season. For bettors, recognizing the influence of impactful individuals like Gikiewicz from past campaigns helps build a comprehensive understanding of Union Berlin’s defensive identity when evaluating potential betting options.
5. Sheraldo Becker
Sheraldo Becker emerged as a standout performer during Union Berlin’s historic 2022–23 season, when the team finished in the Bundesliga’s top four for the first time and secured Champions League qualification. The Surinamese forward is known for his explosive speed, dribbling skills, and ability to create danger from wide areas. As a primary attacking threat under coach Urs Fischer, Becker played a leading role in transition play, breaking through defensive lines and driving quick counterattacks.
From a betting standpoint, Becker is a crucial name to consider in markets involving assists, first goal scorer, or alternative bets like total shots on target. Matches featuring Becker often present opportunities for rapid attacking transitions and dangerous chances particularly appealing for corner or first-half goal bets. For bettors who enjoy detailed tactical analysis and seek value in less obvious statistical trends, Becker’s form and strategic role are essential factors when placing wagers on Union Berlin fixtures.
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4. Taiwo Awoniyi
Taiwo Awoniyi is regarded as one of the most impressive foreign forwards to ever wear a Union Berlin shirt, particularly during the 2021–22 season. With 15 goals scored, the Nigerian striker played a pivotal role in helping the team finish 5th in the Bundesliga the highest league position in the club’s history and secure a place in the Europa League for the first time. More than just a leading goal scorer, Awoniyi left his mark through his physical strength, hold-up play, and effectiveness in fast counterattacks, becoming a cornerstone in Union Berlin’s attacking line.
In betting terms, Awoniyi is a key figure who can significantly influence markets such as goal scorer bets, Asian handicap lines, or total goals wagers. His consistent goal-scoring ability made it easier for bettors to identify matches with strong potential for over bets, especially when Union faced high-pressing or attack-minded opponents. Additionally, the team’s counterattacking approach with Awoniyi at the forefront made Union a valuable underdog option, particularly in away fixtures. Understanding Awoniyi’s role in the club’s recent success provides a major advantage in betting analysis.
3. Michael Parensen
In betting strategies related to Union Berlin, identifying long-serving players who form the foundation of the squad is essential for evaluating the team’s stability and tactical identity. Michael Parensen is a prime example of such a player. Between 2009 and 2020, he made over 250 appearances while playing in various positions across the defensive line. Known for his solid playing style, dedicated spirit, and humble attitude, Parensen played a significant role in the club’s development, particularly during the 2019 season when Union secured its historic promotion to the Bundesliga.
From a betting perspective, the stability Parensen represented can be viewed as the backbone of Union Berlin’s disciplined and solid defensive approach an aspect often reflected in low-scoring or under bets. Clubs built on defensive solidity and a cohesive team identity like Union Berlin are typically hard to beat, especially at home. Understanding the influence of veterans like Parensen gives bettors a valuable analytical foundation when wagering on matches where defense is likely to be a defining factor.
2. Christopher Trimmel
In the realm of modern betting analysis, Christopher Trimmel is an indispensable figure when assessing Union Berlin. Having joined the club in 2014, the Austrian right-back quickly became captain and one of the key players instrumental in the team’s promotion to the Bundesliga in 2019. With his high-energy style of play, accurate crossing ability, and tireless fighting spirit, Trimmel is not only a leader on the pitch but also a modern-day symbol of Union Berlin, bridging the gap between different player generations.
For bettors, Trimmel’s presence offers several notable angles. He is a crucial link in set-piece situations and frequently contributes assists from wide positions directly impacting markets such as corner bets, assist props, or first team to score. Furthermore, Trimmel’s consistent performances across multiple Bundesliga seasons have helped make Union Berlin a reliable option in Asian handicap bets, particularly when playing at home. Tracking Trimmel’s role and form is therefore a smart strategic move when wagering on Union Berlin.
1. Torsten Mattuschka
In the context of sports betting, understanding iconic players can provide deep insights into a team’s history and competitive spirit. For Union Berlin, Torsten Mattuschka stands out as the most emblematic figure of the 21st century. Joining the club in 2005, the German attacking midfielder made over 250 appearances and scored more than 50 goals. Beyond being a midfield leader, Mattuschka also served as club captain, guiding Union Berlin through difficult times in the lower divisions before the club gradually established itself in the Bundesliga.
For bettors, the name Mattuschka represents more than just historical significance it embodies Union Berlin’s fighting spirit and unwavering identity. These qualities are crucial when evaluating the team’s current playing style and form. Teams with a tradition of resilience and loyalty to their footballing philosophy often have the potential to surprise stronger opponents. Therefore, understanding the legacy Mattuschka left behind can offer a more comprehensive perspective when placing bets on Union Berlin across Asian handicap markets, 1X2 odds, or goal-based betting options.
In Summary
Union Berlin is not only a symbol of perseverance and loyalty in German football, but also a team with tactical depth and diverse personnel over time. Understanding the Union Berlin best players such as Torsten Mattuschka, Christopher Trimmel or Sheraldo Becker not only helps fans appreciate traditional values, but also brings significant advantages to bettors in analyzing the team’s playing style, form and tactical trends. When mastering the history and identity of Union Berlin, players can completely make wiser and more effective betting choices in their sports betting journey.
