Bundesliga
With 14 goals for Union Berlin in his two seasons in the Bundesliga since making the jump from the third tier, Benedict Hollerbach went somewhat under the radar as one of the league's most exciting forwards. bundesliga.com takes a closer look at Mainz's newly arrived signing from the capital...
Data correct as of 1 June 2025
Age: 24 (born 17 May 2001)
Club: Mainz
Position: Forward
Country: Germany (two youth caps, one goal)
Key stats
Before landing in Berlin with previous club Union, Hollerbach started his career in his home city of Munich, representing 1860 Munich and Bayern Munich at youth level.
The 5'10" forward spent four years in blue and white with 1860 before departing for their rivals Bayern in 2014. He rose through the ranks of the Bavarian giants, with his jump into their U17 side seeing him link up with VfB Stuttgart’s midfield metronome Angelo Stiller, Joshua Zirkzee and Malik Tillman.
After five years with Bayern, Hollerbach fancied more white than red on his shirt and made the jump to Stuttgart’s U19s, before quickly joining their reserve side just one year later, playing alongside Bayern’s decorated former centre-back Holger Badstuber during 2020/21 season.
That provided the foundation for a breakout campaign at Wehen Wiesbaden, namely 14 goals across 37 3. Liga appearances to help the club gain promotion via the 2023 play-offs. He made an even bigger jump when Union secured his services for the 2023/24 Bundesliga season. The former Germany U18 international has since scored 14 goals, with nine in 2024/25 prompting Mainz to make their move.
Watch: Benedict Hollerbach scored against former club Bayern in 2024/25
Plays a bit like: Karim Adeyemi
Hollerbach and Borussia Dortmund's Karim Adeyemi combine pace, chance creation and goal-scoring ability, but don’t shy away from their defensive duties, making them a thorn in the side of their opponents at both ends of the pitch.
Did you know?
In his final season in the third division for Wiesbaden in 2022/23, Hollerbach outscored Werder Bremen’s Justin Njinmah (13), then of Dortmund’s reserves, and Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade (nine), previously of Elversberg.
What they’re saying
“We are really pleased to have secured the services of Benedict Hollerbach. Benedict suits our intense and courageous style of play here in Mainz perfectly. He is one of the most dynamic players and strongest runners in the Bundesliga, capable of operating across the forward line." - Mainz Sporting director Niko Bungert on his team's new signing
"He's not a know-it-all, but someone who wants to learn. That distinguishes him." - Union head coach Steffen Baumgart