Report: Deniz Undav to Become New VfB Stuttgart Captain

VfB Stuttgart appears to have resolved its captaincy question just days before the Bundesliga season kicks off against Bayern Munich. According to Sky Sports, national team player Deniz Undav is expected to take over the captain's armband from the current holder, Atakan Karazor.

Sources indicate that this decision has already been finalized internally. Undav, 30, who is a popular figure among fans, recently extended his contract with the club until mid-2029. He wore the captain's armband in VfB's recent DFB-Pokal match against Hansa Rostock, which they won 4-0, while Karazor remained on the bench for the entire game.

Karazor, 29, had held the captaincy since the summer of 2024, succeeding Waldemar Anton when Anton moved to Borussia Dortmund. VfB coach Sebastian Hoeneß had previously expressed satisfaction with Karazor's performance, stating two and a half weeks ago, "What is clear is that Ata has been captain for two years and has performed the role very well in my view. So we have to see how things develop."

Karazor has been under contract with VfB Stuttgart since 2019 and, along with goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow, is one of the longest-serving players at the Champions League participant. The Bundesliga season opener is scheduled for Friday evening.

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What is clear is that Ata has been captain for two years and has performed the role very well in my view. So we have to see how things develop.