There won’t be any uncertainty in goal for VfL Bochum anytime soon. That’s because the No. 1 has committed to VfL for the long term ahead of schedule.
This season in the second division, Timo Horn has played in all 26 league matches for VfL Bochum. And there will likely be many more to come.
The 32-year-old has extended his contract—which was set to expire on June 30, 2027—by one year, through 2028. The longtime Cologne player has been between the posts for VfL since 2024, has been the Blue-and-Whites’ starting goalkeeper since February 2025 (42 competitive matches so far), and has captained the team in eleven matches this season.
“I’m very excited about this prospect,” says Horn, “since I very quickly took VfL to my heart as a club. It feels absolutely right to continue on the successful path we’ve now embarked upon. I want to do my part to make that happen. I’m convinced that we’ll manage to stay in the league and that we can use the spirit that prevails in the team in the coming months to continue improving. I’m happy to pitch in!”
Simon Zoller, Director of Licensed Soccer, adds: “I’ve known Timo Horn for a very long time, back from our days together in Cologne. He’s an absolute standout in goal—not only do we see it that way, but so do experts, who currently rank him as the best goalkeeper in the 2. Bundesliga. We know that with Timo Horn in goal, we’ll be well-prepared for the near future, because he’s not only absolutely reliable but can also use his experience to support the other goalkeepers on our roster in their development.”
The goalkeeper, who has made 214 Bundesliga appearances and only failed to get a proper chance during his stint at Red Bull Salzburg, has also found a fan in Bochum in coach Uwe Rösler. “His performances this season have already helped us earn points on numerous occasions. Having him as our goalkeeper puts everyone at ease: the team, the fans, the club, and of course me as the coach. It’s a strong sign that he’s already committing at this early stage, signaling that he believes in our shared path to success. He’s a key player, a leader, and thus a cornerstone for our team in the coming season and beyond. Timo always leads the way, whether in the locker room, on the field, or off the field. Our young players can look to him as a role model, which also helps us as the coaching staff immensely.”