Hennes Behrens: Augsburg left-back earns first Germany cap
Hennes Behrens, a 21-year-old left-back, has received his first senior Germany call-up after helping Augsburg make a strong start to the season. He developed in the youth systems at Mainz, Darmstadt and Hoffenheim, then made his professional debut for Hoffenheim in a Europa League match against Anderlecht in January 2025. After a loan at Heidenheim in early 2026, where he played 16 Bundesliga games and scored once, he is now at Augsburg.
Behrens was born in Frankfurt and developed through youth setups at Mainz, Darmstadt and Hoffenheim. His first senior minutes came with Hoffenheim's reserves in the Regionalliga in 2024. In January 2025, he appeared as a late substitute in a Europa League victory over Anderlecht, then made his Bundesliga debut days later against Leverkusen.
In January 2026, he was loaned to Heidenheim, where he featured 16 times in the Bundesliga and scored once in a 3-3 draw with Leverkusen, though the club was relegated. He joined Augsburg permanently in July and has played every minute of the opening four league matches. Germany handed him a debut against Greece on 27 September.
The story may resonate with young players and academy families by showing that progress can come through loans and smaller clubs. Augsburg supporters could see greater visibility and pride, while Bundesliga audiences may pay more attention to emerging domestic defenders. Germany fans might view Behrens as part of a generational transition, though one cap does not guarantee a lasting role. His rise could also encourage clubs to trust young full-backs in high-pressure matches.