There are not many players who experience Bundesliga 2, the UEFA Champions League and winning the DFB Cup all with the same club, but Pascal ‘Calle’ Stenzel is one of them. Having arrived in summer 2019 from SC Freiburg, his journey at and with VfB has been a special one that has helped shape the club’s recent history.
Now 30, Stenzel was part of the side that earned promotion to the Bundesliga in his maiden season in Cannstatt in 2019/20. That was followed by some dramatic and cathartic escapes from relegation, including securing survival on Matchday 34 in 2021/22 and staying up via the play-offs in 2022/23.
More successful years were to come, though. In 2023/24 the defender and his teammates finished as Bundesliga runners-up, thereby sealing a spot in the UEFA Champions League. VfB won the DFB Cup the following season, and in the recently ended 2025/26 campaign, not only was Champions League qualification secured once again, the team reached the DFB Cup final for a second successive year.
Dubbed ‘football god’ by fans
Stenzel has remained loyal to VfB throughout and, alongside captain Atakan Karazor and goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow, became one of the longest-serving players in the current squad. His sense of identification with the club, the region and the fans, as well as his exceptional work ethic and reliability, which he always placed at the service of the team and the club, earned him enormous respect.
Stenzel made a total of 139 competitive appearances for VfB, registering two goals and 11 assists.
Farewell words from Fabian Wohlgemuth and Stenzel
Fabian Wohlgemuth, board member for sport at VfB: “Pascal Stenzel came to VfB at a time when things were far from rosy in footballing terms. Spending seven years at one club isn’t something you can take for granted these days. Pascal always put himself at the service of the team and the club. We extend our heartfelt thanks for that, and wish him and his family all the best for the future.”
Pascal Stenzel on his departure: “Seven years in the Brustring – not just special because it’s such a long time, but most of all because of all the unforgettable moments we’ve experienced together. Starting in the second division: promotion, last-minute survival, the relegation play-off, finishing second, playing in the Champions League and winning the DFB Cup.
“We lived through all that together, and you showed me time and again that appreciation and loyalty often mean as much to you as what happens on the pitch. That means a huge amount to me.
“I would’ve preferred to say goodbye to you in the shirt. All the more reason to say thank you here. Thank you to every individual who’s been part of my journey. You all make VfB so special – and I hope you retain that, no matter what period you’re in.”
Thank you, ‘Calle’, and all the best for the future!
