Newscenter

Number of players back in training

Over half a dozen of players were back in training for the first full week of FC Schalke 04’s calendar year.

Team

Finn Porath: My position doesn’t matter

Finn Porath has been a Schalke player since matchday 3 of the current season. Up to the winter break, the former Holstein Kiel man featured in every 2. Bundesliga fixture and impressed with his versatility. The 28-year-old has played wherever he could best help the team on the day, featuring on both sides of the pitch and operating in attacking and defensive roles.

2. Bundesliga

Timo Becker: Working as a team to improve in specific areas

For Timo Becker, the start of the new year couldn’t come soon enough. S04’s vice-captain was able to make his return from a knee injury with two cameos against Nürnberg and Braunschweig prior to the winter break, and is now raring to be fully involved once again.

2. Bundesliga

Miron Muslic: We will make the most of every day we have to prepare

The FC Schalke 04 first team began 2026 with a training session in front of fans on Saturday (3/1). Miron Muslic then spoke to the media about topics such as the Christmas break, preparations for the second half of the season and his targets for the coming weeks and months. schalke04.de have summed up all the head coach’s key quotes.

Interview

First training session of the year includes Adrian Gantenbein and Zaid Tchibara

The Schalke first team have returned to the training pitch for their first session of the new calendar year this Saturday (03/01). Head coach Miron Muslic’s squad were present for internal performance diagnostics the day prior, at which important data was collected regarding player’s individual training plans. Adrian Gantenbein made up part of the group, returning to team training for the start of 2026.

Team

Ibrahima Cissé joins FC Aarau

Ibrahima Cissé, whose contract with FC Schalke 04 was due to expire in the summer, has left the club to join FC Aarau. The Swiss second-tier side has been one of the Royal Blues’ partner clubs since the summer of 2024. Both clubs have elected not to disclose the exact terms of the deal.

Team

Maxmilian Lüftl named Schalke’s new head of scouting and transfers

The Royal Blues have made an important addition to their backroom staff, with Maximilian Lüftl joining the club as the new head of scouting and transfers. The 31-year-old last worked for Hannover 96 and started in his new role at the turn of the year. Lüftl will report directly to board member for sport Frank Baumann.

S04

Happy New Year!

FC Schalke 04 would like to wish its fans, members, friends and partners a Happy New Year.

Inside

Mertcan Ayhan: I want to make a name for my own self

In spite of the 2-1 defeat at the hands of Eintracht Braunschweig this past Sunday (21/12), the Knappen are able to reflect on a very positive season until now, racking up 37 points so far. For Mertcan Ayhan personally, the first half of the season has also been successful, proving himself to be a more than reliable replacement for Timo Becker, who had been sidelined with a long-term injury.

2. Bundesliga

How the Royal Blues celebrate Christmas

From last-minute presents and various family traditions, to plenty of delicious food, the Royal Blues are all looking forward to being home with their loved ones this Christmas. schalke04.de spoke to Loris Karius, Mika Wallentowitz, Finn Porath, Peter Remmert and Felipe Sanchez to find out how they’ll spend the holidays.

Inside

Merry Christmas from FC Schalke 04!

The Royal Blues wish a Happy Christmas to all of our fans and members.

Inside

Frank Baumann: We have a clear plan for our sporting development

Since 1st June, Frank Baumann has been responsible for the club’s sporting development as a member of the three-person board. The 50-year-old spoke to schalke04.de about his first few months with the Royal Blues, his assessment of the season so far, the January transfer window and the successful work done with the Knappenschmiede and the women’s team.

Interview

New year schedule confirmed: First public training session set for 3rd January 2026

FC Schalke 04 will kick off their preparations for a return to 2. Bundesliga action on Friday (2/1). The senior team will start the year with medical checks and performance tests to help determine their individual training plans.

2. Bundesliga

Miron Muslic: Disappointed about the defeat, but very proud of the journey we're on together

The Royal Blues were beaten 2-1 at Eintracht Braunschweig on Sunday (21/12) in what was their final game of the calendar year. Following the loss on matchday 17, the two head coaches analysed the game, while captain Kenan Karaman and Ron Schallenberg also gave their thoughts on the 90 minutes and the first half of the season as a whole.

2. Bundesliga

2025 ends with defeat in Braunschweig

FC Schalke 04 were beaten 2-1 away at Eintracht Braunschweig on Sunday (21/12) and will therefore go into the winter break with 37 points on the board from 17 matches. Former Royal Blues Mehmet Can Aydin and Sidi Sané were both on the scoresheet for the hosts, while Soufiane El-Faouzi got a late consolation for S04.

2. Bundesliga

Miron Muslic: We’ll have to give absolutely everything again

2025 comes to an end for the Royal Blues with an away trip to Eintracht Braunschweig on Sunday (21/12, 13:30 CET). One final test of endurance awaits Schalke before the festive break, as head coach Miron Muslic made clear in his pre-match assessment.

2. Bundesliga

Schalke and VELTINS agree ten-year contract extension

FC Schalke 04 and the C. & A. VELTINS brewery will continue their partnership well into the next decade. The family-run traditional brewery has secured the naming rights to the VELTINS-Arena until the end of the 2035/36 season. The new agreement comes into effect from the 2026/27 campaign and runs for a further ten years. Rounding off a strong commercial year in 2025, the extension sends a clear signal of continuity and long-term planning security.

Partner

Matchdays 20 to 24 scheduled

The DFL announced the exact dates and times for matchdays 20 to 24 on Friday (19/12). The short trip to VfL Bochum will be made on a Saturday afternoon.

2. Bundesliga

Timo Becker: I’m proud to be a part of this community

After being sidelined through injury for no fewer than 79 days, Timo Becker made an emotional return to action on Sunday (14/12) against 1. FC Nürnberg. In the 1-0 home win over FCN, the centre-back came on in the 77th minute and helped see out the narrow lead.

2. Bundesliga

Preparations begin for the final game of 2025

Sunday’s (21/12) away game at Eintracht Braunschweig will be FC Schalke 04’s final match of the calendar year. Preparations for the fixture against the team who have claimed seven points from their past three games got underway on Wednesday (17/12) in front of the Royal Blues' fans.

2. Bundesliga