Ready for the Bundesliga: Brackelmann in focus
A promotion winner with a lot to his game
First Team
02.06.2026, 15:00
Calvin Brackelmann will join FC Augsburg on a free transfer this summer, adding another option to FCA’s defence. The 26-year-old centre-back arrives from SC Paderborn after helping them win promotion and is now looking to make his mark in the Bundesliga.
Brackelmann could hardly have wished for a better way to leave Paderborn. In the relegation play-off against VfL Wolfsburg, the defender played his part as SCP followed up a 0-0 draw in the first leg with a 2-1 win after extra time in the return fixture to seal promotion. His header helped set up Filip Bilbija for the important equaliser, and he also produced a strong defensive display. It was a performance that underlined his importance to Paderborn once again.
The Lüneburg-born defender’s path to the Bundesliga has been far from straightforward. Brackelmann started out at MTV Handorf and MTV Treubund Lüneburg, later spent time in Hamburger SV’s youth setup and joined Hansa Rostock’s academy in 2013. After four years on the Baltic coast, he moved to 1. FC Köln, where he gained important experience with the U19s and U21s. Spells with Schalke 04 II, Rödinghausen and Lübeck followed. At one point, Brackelmann even spent six months without a club – another setback in a career that had already seen its share of challenges.
He eventually broke into the professional game with FC Ingolstadt, playing 28 times in the 3. Liga during the 2022/23 season. From there, he moved to Paderborn, where he made his breakthrough. Across 63 competitive appearances for SCP, he stood out not only at the back but also chipped in with five goals.
A stunning free-kick and a worrying fall
His aerial strength made him a real threat from set pieces in particular, while he also showed what he can do on the ball – not least with a superb free-kick against Kaiserslautern in February. Only a few weeks earlier, Brackelmann had been involved in a worrying incident away to Holstein Kiel, when he landed heavily on his neck and stayed down. It initially looked serious, but he was ultimately able to escape without major injury.
At 1.96 metres tall, Brackelmann brings an intriguing mix of qualities: he is strong, left-footed and mobile despite his size. It is exactly that mix that appeals to FCA, especially as sporting director Benni Weber already knows him from their time together at Paderborn. “We’re delighted that Calvin Brackelmann has chosen FC Augsburg. His pace, height and athleticism give us additional options in the way we play, and he fits perfectly with the direction we’re taking at FCA,” said Weber.
Brackelmann will now look to take the next step in Augsburg. “I’m already looking forward to the new season. I want to settle into my new surroundings quickly and contribute with strong performances,” said Brackelmann. At youth international level, Brackelmann made six appearances for Germany U18s and three for the U19s.
