As reported by the “Statista” database, a staggering one-third of adults in Germany suffer from chronic back issues. Although it may be unsettling to acknowledge, Noel Futkeu could be one of them at this very moment. Currently, the striker is single-handedly leading Greuther Fürth in the 2. Bundesliga. How can an entire team rely on one player?
Strictly speaking, the Clover Leaves do field eleven players during each match, but without Futkeu, they might as well have started planning for the 3. Liga months ago. The 23-year-old has undoubtedly become the most valuable asset any team in German professional football could have today.
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This season, he has participated in 33 matches, netting 18 goals and providing 5 assists—accounting for a remarkable 50% of Fürth’s total goals. In comparison, Felix Klaus, the second-highest scorer on the team, has only managed seven goals.
Recently, the former Frankfurt player has scored in four consecutive matches, including a hat-trick during the 3-2 victory against Darmstadt 98 on matchday 30. He was also pivotal during Fürth’s most critical game of the season.
In a Franconian derby two weeks ago, Futkeu managed to secure a point for his team in a 1-1 draw. His performance was so remarkable that even a legendary striker complimented him afterward.
📸 Maja Hitij – 2026 Getty Images
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“Futkeu is an exciting striker. He’s quite mobile, adept at finding space, and always active. He exhibits a sense of calm during play, knowing exactly when to exploit a defender’s distraction or when to drop back for the ball. Moreover, he’s incredibly challenging for defenders,” remarked Miroslav Klose, who was clearly impressed with the young forward’s skills. Is the FCN coach already considering a potential summer transfer?
If that’s the case, Klose may need to temper his expectations. On April 20, 2026, Eintracht Frankfurt had already announced Futkeu’s return. After he transitioned from Frankfurt’s U21 squad to Fürth in the summer of 2024, the club included a buy-back clause in his contract.
Frankfurt has now triggered that clause, and for €1.3 million, Futkeu will be headed back to his former club this summer. However, ‘kicker’ reports that it remains uncertain whether Frankfurt will retain the striker or sell him for a higher price. Nonetheless, it seems like an ideal scenario for everyone involved, right?
Frankfurt will regain a ready-to-play striker, Fürth will earn a transfer profit exceeding one million euros, and Futkeu can advance his career. So what’s the issue? The issue is their current position—17th in the table. As they approach today’s match against Fortuna Düsseldorf (scheduled for 3:30 p.m.), the Green-Whites find themselves in a direct relegation spot.
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A defeat or draw against Düsseldorf will see them relegated to the third tier for the first time since 1997. A victory, however, could temporarily elevate them into the relegation play-off position.
For that to happen, Bielefeld must either lose to Hertha BSC simultaneously, or Fürth must score a minimum of three goals against Fortuna, surpassing them on goal difference. Achieving both outcomes could allow them to rise as high as 15th place in the best-case scenario.
“The fact remains: we have to win now. It’s a significant challenge for us,” Noel Futkeu remarked this week to ‘Sportschau’.
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Fortunately, the striker has recently demonstrated his capability to score three goals in a single match. And let’s face it: what kind of heroic football narrative is it if a player carries his team throughout the season only to see them relegated in the end?
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.