Goalkeeper of the union aims to " combat his path forward"
Matheo Raab Joins Union Berlin in Pursuit of Bundesliga Dream
Matheo Raab, a goalkeeper with ambitions of playing in the Bundesliga, has joined Union Berlin in a move that marks a significant step in his career. The transfer from Hamburger SV was finalised in July 2025 for a reported fee of around €400,000 [1][2].
Raab's decision to join Union Berlin was driven by his desire to make his childhood dream come true. Union Berlin's project and atmosphere appealed to him, and he expressed his determination to help the team achieve its goals [2].
Initially, Raab is expected to serve as the backup goalkeeper, learning from the team and making his own mark. However, he has openly aimed to displace Union's current starter, Frederik Rönnow, and become the No. 1 keeper. This ambition stems from his desire for a consistent starting role in the Bundesliga after mainly playing second fiddle in lower divisions [3].
Rönnow, an experienced Bundesliga player and former national team player, presents a formidable challenge for Raab. However, Raab finds him to be a very nice person and believes that goalkeepers should treat each other fairly, push each other, and try to outdo each other on the pitch [5].
Steffen Baumgart, Union Berlin's coach and Raab's former mentor at Hamburger SV, believes in Raab’s qualities and has supported his starting role when given the chance [1][3]. This support, coupled with Raab's resilience and previous experience, gives him a fighting chance to claim the starting spot.
Union Berlin signed Raab to replace outgoing backup goalkeeper Lennart Grill and to provide competition for Rönnow [1][4]. Raab's move to Union Berlin was not for a guaranteed starting spot, but rather for better sporting prospects and the opportunity to challenge for the starting role in the Bundesliga [6].
In summary, Raab's move to Union Berlin marks a significant step in his career as he aspires to transition from a backup to a starting Bundesliga goalkeeper by challenging Frederik Rönnow, leveraging previous experience, resilience, and a trusted coach's confidence to achieve this goal [1][3]. Raab is joining a very experienced Bundesliga team and is eager to contribute to Union Berlin's success.
[1] Union Berlin sign Matheo Raab from Hamburger SV
[2] Matheo Raab: Union Berlin's new goalkeeper
[3] Matheo Raab: Union Berlin's new goalkeeper challenge
[4] Union Berlin sign Matheo Raab as backup goalkeeper
[5] Matheo Raab: Union Berlin's new goalkeeper is ready to challenge
[6] Matheo Raab: Union Berlin's new goalkeeper is not guaranteed a starting spot
Sports have always been a passion for Matheo Raab, and football, in particular, has been a lifelong dream. Now, as he joins Union Berlin in pursuit of his Bundesliga aspirations, Raab is eager to prove his mettle on the football field.
