Bundesliga's upcoming shift sees Felix Keidel, Schanzer's home-grown player, transferring to SV Elversberg.
Bidin' Adieu to Felix Keidel: A Heartfelt Farewell to an Loyal Schanzer
It's official, folks! After a whopping 13 years, Felix Keidel is bidding adieu to his Schanzer home, as he's sealed a deal with SV Elversberg for the 2025/26 season. The heartwarming yet bittersweet goodbye finds Keidel embarking on a new challenge in the second-highest German league. The details of the transfer, though, have been kept under lock and key.
Since tender age nine, Keidel has donned the FC Ingolstadt 04 boots, crafting his way through the layers of youth teams in the Danube city. The native lad of Duisburg's shining moment came at the start of the 2022/23 preseason, securing a place in the big leagues. That trampoline, unbeknownst to Keidel at the time, was a leap into stardom.
"Living the Dream" - Keidel's Long Journey
We've all got dreams, but with the Schanz, little Felix's turned into reality. Since he could walk, football had gripped him like steadfast kin - no matter if it was in the family home or tearing up grassy lawns.
Growing up, the little tyke sported his pop's Keidel jersey before officially wearing one himself in 2012. That benchmark marked the start of a journey interlaced with daily car rides, late-night practices, and field excursions around the Audi Sportpark. Home to the Schanzer was now, in essence, Bergheim and Ingolstadt.
Over the span of 13 years, Felix developed his skills and character under the nurturing gaze of NLZ coaches. Friendships forged became a loyal brotherhood, while caretakers and staff evolved into confidants. Felix absorbed the intricate grass weave, every nook and cranny within the functional building, each entrance, and exit at the MTV stadium - memories crafted from the very heart of his time with the FCI.
Farewell to an Emotional Chapter
The time has come to say goodbye, but Felix won't forget the beautiful moments he shared with his Schanzer family. He chronicled his deepest gratitude to his family, girlfriend, the sports leadership, every coach and teammate, employees, the environment, and, of course, loyal fans.
Sporting director Ivo Grlic described Keidel as a beacon of the club’s youth performance center. His9 unwavering ambition, passion, and dedication to the Schanzer values had him ingrained within the fabric of the club. Grlic highlighted Keidel's esteemed status as not only a talented defender but also a professional carrying the Schanzer spirit proudly.
CEO Dietmar Beiersdorfer expressed his pride in Felix's accomplishments, both on and off the pitch. The man behind the curtain thoughtfully acknowledged the immense impact of FC Ingolstadt 04 on Felix's career and emphasized the immeasurable contribution of its staff, players, employees, and fans in shaping him into the exceptional player he is today.
As Felix embarks on a new chapter, the Schanzer family will be rallying behind their hero, cheering on his future triumphs. Here's to a man who embodied the spirit of unity and passion for the game. Schanzer, forever!
"With his new journey in the second-highest German league ahead, Felix Keidel will continue to live his dream that started on the grassy lawns of his childhood - a dream now interwoven with sports and football."
"In recognition of his accomplishments with the Schanzer, the CEO, Dietmar Beiersdorfer, highlighted Keidel's status not only as a talented defender but also as a professional who carried the club's spirit with immense pride."
