When putting into context the significance of Freiburg reaching their first ever European final, the words of Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany feel the most pertinent.
"I think it [Freiburg's success] embodies everything that is positive about football," Kompany said recently. "It's a small club that's building itself up with its own resources. What Freiburg are doing is a great example for many other clubs."
Much has been written about the small club from Baden-Württemberg in recent years. A local club in its origin, Freiburg have evolved from a team yoyoing between the divisions to an established Bundesliga side.
Despite a first-ever German Cup final in 2022 (one that ended in a dramatic defeat on penalties), a Europa League tie against Juventus the year after and a new stadium in 2021, Freiburg have never strayed from the core values of a local club. They are prudent with their business, growth always feels organic, and ultimately, in an era of staggering financial power, remain that rarest of all things in football: a sensible club.
Freiburg's old stadium was near the edge of the forest but the move to the new stadium hasn't seen them lose their connection to their originImage: Heuberger/imago images
