"Freiburg has been a huge part of my life since I was a kid, when I used to stand in the children’s section at the Dreisamstadion," Matthias Ginter said after extending his contract with SC Freiburg. The length of the new deal has not been disclosed, but the move extends a relationship that has already produced 255 competitive appearances across two spells. Ginter returned from Borussia Dortmund in July 2022, and Freiburg are keeping one of their most familiar players in place.

Freiburg's case for keeping him

The club's own words point to why this extension was straightforward. Jochen Saier called Ginter a key figure in the team, praising the quality and consistency of his performances and the role he has played in the side's development. That matters because Freiburg are not handing out sentimental contracts to passengers. They are retaining a defender who has stayed central to the team across multiple seasons.

Ginter has also been productive early in the year. He has made 4 Bundesliga appearances in 2026, with a 7.64 average rating and 3 assists. In a season where Freiburg have started well, that gives the extension a sporting edge as well as a loyalty one.

A familiar player who still fits

Ginter's own line was about continuity, not nostalgia. Speaking to SPORT1 in German, he said, "We want to continue this shared success story and are maximally ambitious." That is the right tone for this deal. Freiburg are not locking in a veteran for the sake of it, they are keeping a player whose level has remained high enough to matter in the present.

The club's form underlines that point. Freiburg are 3rd in the Bundesliga after 4 matches, with 10 points and a +9 goal difference. They are also unbeaten in the league, which makes the decision to extend a trusted defender look aligned with where they are right now.

Freiburg's next listed home league match is against FC Schalke 04 on 11 October, and they will also host FK Jablonec in the UEFA Europa Conference League on 15 October.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →