Farewell Message: Jonathan Burkardt of Mainz 05 expresses his emotions in a touching video
Jonathan Burkardt, a 25-year-old striker who has spent the last four seasons with Mainz 05, is set to embark on a new chapter in his career after completing a high-profile transfer to Rhine-Main rivals Eintracht Frankfurt. The move, reported to be worth up to €23 million, marks a significant milestone in Burkardt's career and underscores his increasing reputation in German football.
Burkardt's tenure at Mainz 05 began in 2018 when he was promoted to the first team by coach Sandro Schwarz. Since then, he has developed into a key forward, demonstrating his skills and earning prominence in the Bundesliga. His outstanding performances for Mainz established him as a promising young striker, attracting attention from bigger clubs.
In July 2025, after extensive negotiations, Burkardt completed his move to Eintracht Frankfurt. He has already passed his medical examinations and is expected to sign a contract with Frankfurt shortly. This move represents a step up in his career, joining a club with strong ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.
Mainz 05's sporting director, Christian Heidel, praised Burkardt for his goal threat, running power, aggressive pressing, down-to-earth demeanor, and commitment to the club. Heidel also highlighted Burkardt's crucial role in helping Mainz avoid relegation in the 2023/24 season, stating that without Burkardt's outstanding performance in the second half of the season, Mainz 05 would have been relegated.
Burkardt leaves Mainz 05 with a Conference League qualification and a heartfelt thank you to the fans for the incredible support he received during his time at the club. Mainz 05, in turn, published an emotional farewell video for Burkardt on social media, featuring testimonials from former teammates and youth coach Sören Hartung.
With Burkardt's departure, Mainz 05 will receive a transfer fee of between €20-25 million. This substantial sum is a testament to Burkardt's growth and potential impact in German football. Burkardt's national team career remains undisclosed, but his rise to a top Bundesliga club and his transfer for a substantial fee imply that he has gained recognition at the national level, likely earning call-ups to Germany's national squads during his career progression.
Next season, Burkardt will play for Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, a challenge he is undoubtedly ready to embrace. As he embarks on this new journey, Mainz 05 will always be connected to Jonathan Burkardt, a player who has contributed significantly to the club's success.
During his free time, Burkardt might choose to watch European-leagues, particularly the premier-league, as he looks forward to competing at the top level with his new team, Eintracht Frankfurt. In the future, Burkardt's impressive performances for Frankfurt could potentially earn him a spot in the German national team, allowing him to represent his country in international sports events, such as the World Cup or the European Championships.
