Odogu Gives Wolfsburg Hope After Another Defeat | OneFootball

VfL Wolfsburg lost their third consecutive game on Sunday with a 1-0 defeat away to Union Berlin. However, 18 year-old defender, David Odogu raised spirits with an impressive debut for Wolfsburg.

Two weeks ago, David Odogu said that his aim for the season was to fulfil his dream of playing in the Bundesliga.

Now that dream has come true.

Odogu has been on the bench for Wolfsburg since February and has only appeared for Germany under 19s in 2025.

Yet, Odogu put in an assured performance that would have impressed the Wolfsburg hierarchy.

The 18-year-old moved from Union Berlin in 2020 and it was serendipitous that he returned to his birthplace to make his Bundesliga debut.

After the game he reminisched about his journey:

“I was born in Berlin and played for Union for a year. As a young boy, I was in the stands for Union’s first Bundesliga victory: That was a special day, a milestone on my path. I’ve been working towards this for a long time,” said the central defender, who won the 2023 World Cup and European Championship with the German U17 team.

His family and many friends were present in Berlin for his debut.

The jersey from his Bundesliga debut “will be given to my parents.”

“I gave it my all and tried to show what I could do. I didn’t want to try anything crazy, I just wanted to play and do my thing. I’m grateful that they trusted me.“I thought I would be more nervous, but I was surprisingly relaxed.”

With the first-choice central defenders, Denis Vavro (hamstring) and Konstantinos Koulierakis (hip flexor problems) both injured, VfL coach Ralph Hasenhüttl, turned to midfielder Yannick Gerhardt (who had never played centre-back before) and Odogu.

For most of the game, they were disciplined and resolute.

Aside from a momentary lapse in the 75th minute, they can be proud of their performances and partnership.

Odogu is well-placed to make a string of first-team appearances as Wolfsburg welcome RB Leipzig and then travel to Mainz in the next two weeks.

If Odogu can continue to build on this performance, we may just be witnessing the start of a very special career.

GGFN | Oscar O’Mara