This 18-year-old from Düsseldorf moved from Fortuna to a Bundesliga club last summer. Here he is captain and top performer.

Kelven Olagie Frees was born and raised in Düsseldorf. He played for TuRU Düsseldorf in his early years – until 2013 – and then moved to the city’s number one club: Fortuna Düsseldorf.

After ten years at Fortuna, he left the NRW state capital in the summer of 2023 and joined the U19 team of Bundesliga club TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.

Here, the 2.02-meter defensive giant impressed from day one. He is captain of the Hoffenheim A youth team and was also recently called up to the Germany U19 national team.

“I’ve arrived here well, it was a family atmosphere right from the start. I first blended in and integrated myself into the team to do my job. The fact that my character and attitude are reflected so well in this team is also due to the fact that every single person is a great person, has quality and high standards. The people in charge have really put together a great squad and our coaches lead and organize us very well. We show great discipline and are already a close-knit group,” the Düsseldorf player with Nigerian roots told the portal “transfermarkt.de”.

It’s a top station for players who are determined to achieve their goals. It’s up to us players how much we’re prepared to invest. That’s how you mature every day. More is not possible

He adds: “Being named captain means a lot to me and I live this role every day. I would go through fire for my teammates and coaches. “

Frees has fond memories of his time in Düsseldorf. But the conditions at Fortuna are difficult to compare with those at TSG. In Hoffenheim, everything is one level higher.

Kelven Olagie Frees

Frees: “I had very good years in Düsseldorf, but Hoffenheim is even bigger in terms of youth development. The conditions at TSG are simply unique. There are opportunities here to work even more precisely in every direction. We are given everything we need to become professionals – both on a sporting and personal level. The great thing about Hoffenheim is that I’m given every opportunity and it’s up to me whether I take advantage of them or not. It’s a top station for players who are determined to achieve their goals. It’s up to us players how much we’re prepared to invest. It makes you mature every day. That’s as good as it gets. “