Maximilian Thiel

Maximilian „Maxi“ Thiel (born 3 February 1993) is a German professional footballer who plays for German club Union Berlin in the 2. Bundesliga. He is also the vice-captain of the capital club.

At the beginning of his career he played more as a central midfielder, before switching onto the wing where he now plays as a left winger. Besides his good technique and pace, the left-footed attacker is known for his powerful shot.

A product of the Wacker Burghausen youth academy, he made his professional debut in August 2010 at the age of 17 in the 3. Liga against Rot Weiss Ahlen under coach Mario Basler. In October of the same year he signed his first professional contract. In the following years he developed into a regular then a key player and eventually into one of the most sought-after talents of the 3. Liga. At the start of the 2013-2014 season he moved to then second division team 1. FC Köln and at the end of the season the club won the 2. Bundesliga championship and got promoted to the Bundesliga. During the summer transfer window in 2014 he moved to Union Berlin on loan. Thiel established himself in the starting line-up instantly and evolved into a key player. After a successful one-year loan deal, Union Berlin signed him on a two-year contract that will keep him at the club until 2017. In October 2015 he was appointed as vice-captain and made a member of the team committee.

He has been capped for Germany national under-20 team nine teams, scoring four goals.