Deniz Undav Appointed New Captain of VfB Stuttgart Ahead of Bundesliga Opener

VfB Stuttgart has officially named Deniz Undav as their new team captain just days before the Bundesliga season kicks off. Undav will take over the captain's armband from Atakan Karazor, who held the position for the past two years. The decision was made internally by the club ahead of Stuttgart's first league match against FC Bayern München, scheduled for Friday at 20:30 local time in Munich.

Undav recently extended his contract with Stuttgart until mid-2029, solidifying his long-term commitment to the club. The 30-year-old national player is a fan favorite and a key figure within the team. In a recent DFB-Pokal match versus Hansa Rostock, Undav already showcased leadership by captaining the team while Karazor remained on the bench.

Karazor, 29, who has been with Stuttgart since 2019, was praised by coach Sebastian Hoeneß for his leadership qualities during his two-year captaincy. Karazor took over the role in 2024 following Waldemar Anton's transfer to Borussia Dortmund, and he is one of the longest-serving players in the squad alongside goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow.

The captaincy change marks an important leadership transition at VfB Stuttgart as they prepare to face powerful opposition in Bayern München, making Undav's role vital for the upcoming season.