Born in Schwäbisch Gmünd and trained at VfB’s youth academy, Samuele di Benedetto is a Stuttgarter through and through. Last season he helped the club’s U17s reach the final of the German league championship, and he was also a first-team regular for Germany at the U17 European Championship. Now, the 16-year-old has extended his contract at VfB through to 2026.
Sporting director Sven Mislintat:
“We’re very pleased with this contract extension. Samu is an outstanding player, both at VfB and throughout Germany. He has fantastic football ability and his strategic thinking and fighting spirit make him a focal point of the game. We’re very proud that a player like Samu, who has already attracted attention internationally and interest from a lot of clubs, has chosen us so decisively.”
Thomas Krücken, youth academy director:
“Samu is a defensive midfielder with a high level of technical skill, intelligence and playmaking ability, who carries his team thanks to his aggressive and very emotional style of play. He enjoys taking on responsibility. He will be guided up to the professional level step by step via the U19s. We’re very pleased that one of our greatest talents has chosen his path at VfB.”