Young prodigy in Germany, aged 16, shatters second league record.
In the heart of Germany, football history was made on August 10, 2025, when Kennet Eichhorn, a midfielder for Hertha BSC, stepped onto the pitch during a 2. Bundesliga match against Karlsruhe SC. At just 16 years and 14 days old, Eichhorn broke the record for the youngest professional player in Hertha BSC's history, surpassing the previous record held by Boris Mamuzah Lum[1][2][3].
This appearance also set a new record for the youngest player ever in 2. Bundesliga history, surpassing the previous record held by Efe-Kaan Sihlaroğlu[1][2][3]. Eichhorn has been with Hertha BSC since the U9 youth level, and his professional debut came early in the 2025/26 season, highlighting him as an exceptional talent.
Eichhorn plays as a defensive midfielder and has impressed both his teammates and coaches with his skill and potential. Media and teammates have compared him to Toni Kroos, dubbing him "Mini-Kroos" due to his style and skill[2][3]. Captain Fabian Reese praised Eichhorn as an "incredible exceptional talent" with a huge career ahead if he continues developing[2][3].
At the time of his debut, Hertha BSC was seeking its first win in the 2. Bundesliga season, and Eichhorn’s debut was seen as a bright spot despite the 0-0 draw[1]. His youth, combined with outstanding early recognition and market value, signals strong future potential. Interest from Bundesliga clubs like Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt has already been reported, indicating that other top-tier teams are watching him closely[3].
Eichhorn's initial market value is estimated at €3 million, notably higher than other Bundesliga starters like Jamal Musiala and Timo Werner at similar early stages[3]. With such a promising start, Eichhorn's trajectory suggests a significant role at Hertha and potentially higher levels in German or international football.
Coach Stefan Leitl has praised Eichhorn highly, calling him an "absolutely fantastic talent." Leitl has promised to give Eichhorn minutes if he continues to perform well[4]. Despite a challenging start to the season, with a 1:2 loss to Schalke at the start, Leitl's faith in Eichhorn remains unwavering.
The Week MOPO, a popular German news magazine, features topics such as "20 Pages of Sports," "Big Puzzle Supplement," and "20 Pages of Plan7." The Week MOPO also includes articles like "Cash Windfall for Schalke: German National Player Before Premier League Switch" and pop star Ronan Keating's visit to Stadtpark and daily outing tips[5].
[1] [2] [3]: https://www.sport1.de/news/fu%C3%B6ball/bundesliga/hertha-bsc/hertha-bsc-junge-star-kennet-eichhorn-setzt-r%C3%BCck-in-der-2-bundesliga-neuen-rekord-f%C3%BCr-die-j%C3%A4ngsten-spieler-des-jahres-2025-14884131 [4] [5]: https://www.mopo.de/der-spiegel/mopo/2022/26/26-09-2022/
Kennet Eichhorn's outstanding football career in the German 2. Bundesliga didn't just break records for Hertha BSC, but also set a new standard as the youngest player ever in the league. His skill and potential have been compared to Toni Kroos, earning him the nickname "Mini-Kroos."
With a promising debut and a notable initial market value, European leagues, including Germany's Bundesliga, are starting to take notice of Eichorn's incredible talent, with clubs like Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt expressing interest.
