When it comes to followers of German football, Holger Badstuber is a well-known and respected footballer. But not all the world is familiar with the outstanding defender. Why is that? Ever since debuting for FC Bayern Munich, around the same time Bavarian Thomas Muller did too, Badstuber has suffered a series of unfortunate events. When they started out, it was clear they were both extremely talented and would be a crucial part of Bayern’s future. In fact, both players had signed professional terms in July 2009 for Bayern from the youth team.

It was clear Badstuber was destined for greatness when the 20 year-old defender scored his first goal for the Bavarians with a breath-taking powerful free-kick against Borussia Mönchengladbach. He has left an impression from the get go and was given a starting position in the squad soon after. Under Jupp Heynckes, the great collaboration between Badstuber and Jerome Boateng started. Today, the two still form a great duo at the back in Bayern’s back four (or five, if you take the best goalkeeper in the world, Manuel Neuer, into account) and are an often impenetrable unit.

Holger can make the move from centre-back to left-back with ease, making him a dream for Pep Guardiola, especially when injury problems hit. For a defender, he brings a tremendous amount of quality to Bayern’s build-up play.

The greatest setback for Badstuber was a two-and-a-half year injury. He first had an anterior cruciate ligament injury, and missed games from December 2012 till July 2014. At his age, it was a huge blow but he refused to give up and he was determined to show he could bounce back. After a long-awaited comeback, Badstuber then immediately suffered a four month injury after tearing a thigh tendon.

Holger Badstuber: German Fighter

Badstuber has been praised repeatedly for his courageous and German fighting spirit as he refuses to give up after each blow and he is always working very hard. He sets an example not only to young footballers like himself but for everyone pursuing their dreams no matter how impossible they might seem. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Bayern’s CEO, has expressed how impressed he was by the German starlet. Badstuber himself has always shown such loyalty and belongingness to his team that stood by him. Furthermore, Guardiola commented the following after his latest injury: “We’re all there for him. The coaches, his team-mates, the whole club.”

It was especially pleasing to all of Germany when he finally made it back with the national team during the group stages for the Euro 2016 against Austria, but unfortunately he will not join the internationals this time around.

Nevertheless, for everyone who does watch him when he is fit there is no question about how talented he is. The centre-back has earned a starting position among Guardiola’s ambitious squad and has shown just how important he is to Die Bayern as they aim to bring back the glories of 2013.

At 26 years old, the defender is now coming back from his latest injury: a muscle tear in his thigh. He was set for three to four months on the sidelines, much to everyone’s disappointment, but fans are hoping he will be back at least at the beginning of September. Bayern’s defence depends on his return.

How is he spending his holidays? Working out in the gym. Constantly. If ever a clear barometer of his desire and dedication were needed, this is it.

The world is yet to see the best of the star who is sure to return from injury once again and prove his worth. He is destined to be a star both for Bayern Munich and Germany, and although both club and country have reached the highest heights they could in the past two years, don’t bet against him leading them to further Champions League and World Cup glory in the future. Philipp Lahm has retired from international football: could Holger Badstuber be his replacement as leader?