Daniel Adlung

Daniel Adlung
Born	(1987-10-01) October 1, 1987 Fürth, West Germany
Occupation	Professional footballer
Years active	2005–present
Known for	Midfielder for Greuther Fürth II and various other clubs

Daniel Adlung (born 1 October 1987) is a German professional footballer currently playing as a midfielder for Greuther Fürth II.

Greuther Fürth

Originating from Fürth, West Germany, Adlung began his football journey at the age of seven with SV Hiltpoltstein. He alternated between the youth academies of 1. FC Nürnberg and SpVgg Greuther Fürth before ultimately establishing himself at Greuther Fürth, where he commenced his professional career.

Adlung made his first appearance for Greuther Fürth’s senior squad on 30 September 2005, coming on as a substitute in a 1–0 victory over Alemannia Aachen. Early on, he split his time between the club’s first team and its reserves. He returned to the senior lineup on 2 December 2005, providing an assist during a 2–0 triumph against Kickers Offenbach. Throughout the 2005–06 campaign, he featured in seventeen matches across all competitions.

In the following season, 2006–07, Adlung became a more consistent presence in the first team, alternating between starting roles and appearances off the bench. He netted his first goal of that season on 13 November 2006 in a 2–2 draw with 1. FC Kaiserslautern, and later scored against both 1860 München and FC Augsburg. During this time, he also took on responsibilities in right-back and defensive midfield positions. Despite battling injuries, he accumulated thirty-one appearances and scored three goals over the course of the season.

The onset of the 2007–08 season saw Adlung participate in six matches before a toe injury sidelined him. He made his return on 30 September 2007, delivering two assists in a commanding 3–0 win against 1860 München. A subsequent knee injury caused him to miss approximately one month. Upon recovering by mid-December, he contributed both a goal and an assist in a 4–1 victory over TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. Throughout the remainder of the season, he regularly started games, alternating between left and right midfield roles, concluding with thirty appearances and two goals.

VfL Wolfsburg

As his contract with Greuther Fürth concluded after the 2007–08 season, Adlung attracted interest from clubs such as VfL Wolfsburg and FC Hansa Rostock. On 11 May 2008, he completed a transfer to VfL Wolfsburg.

Adlung's debut for Wolfsburg came as a substitute in the second half of a dominant 7–0 DFB–Pokal victory over FC Oberneuland. Nevertheless, his involvement was mainly with Wolfsburg’s reserve squad rather than the first team. Although limited in top-tier appearances, he was part of Wolfsburg’s squad during their successful 2008–09 Bundesliga campaign, an experience that positively influenced his professional growth.

Alemannia Aachen (loan)

On 5 August 2009, Adlung joined Alemannia Aachen on loan for the entirety of the 2009–10 season, donning shirt number 24. This arrangement was designed to provide him with more consistent first-team opportunities following Wolfsburg’s decision to loan him out.

He made his debut for Aachen on 17 August 2009 in a match that ended with a 5–0 defeat to St. Pauli, featuring for the first half. Initially used as a substitute for several months, Adlung eventually secured a regular spot in the starting lineup. A highlight came on 7 December 2009 when he assisted Alemannia’s opening goal in a 2–0 win against his former club Greuther Fürth. His first goal for Aachen arrived on 15 January 2010 during a 3–1 victory over Karlsruher SC. On 12 March, he provided an assist to Benjamin Auer in a narrow 2–1 win versus Arminia Bielefeld, and later on 28 March, contributed both a goal and an assist in a comprehensive 4–0 triumph over FC Augsburg. Over the course of that season, Adlung appeared twenty-five times across all competitions before returning to Wolfsburg.

Energie Cottbus

On 3 August 2010, Adlung joined Energie Cottbus for a transfer fee of €180,000, committing to a three-year deal.

He made his first appearance by assisting a goal during a 2–1 victory in the DFB-Pokal against TuS Heeslingen. Quickly establishing himself as the starting left midfielder, Adlung contributed several assists and netted his inaugural goal on 17 October 2010 in a 3–1 triumph over Paderborn. Over that season, he scored three additional goals but missed considerable playing time due to suspensions and injuries. After returning in January 2011, he retained his spot in the starting lineup and completed the campaign with 32 matches played and four goals scored.

In the opening match of the 2011–12 season versus Dynamo Dresden, Adlung found the net in a 2–1 win and provided crucial assists thereafter. Although injuries sidelined him for multiple weeks, he resumed regular starting duties and captained Energie Cottbus for the first time in February 2012. He ended that season with 30 appearances and three goals, playing a vital role in helping his team avoid relegation.

Adlung started the 2012–13 season on a high note by scoring twice in a 3–0 victory over Erzgebirge Aue and contributing several assists. However, disciplinary challenges resulted in suspensions following two red cards. Upon his return, he briefly adapted to a striker role and finished the season with five goals. Midway through the year, team restructuring led to his temporary demotion to the reserve squad, but he later returned to score in a 3–0 win against SV Sandhausen. Across all competitions that year, he made 25 appearances and scored five goals.

TSV 1860 München

With his contract nearing expiration at the conclusion of the 2012–13 season, Adlung confirmed he would depart from Energie Cottbus. On 11 April 2013, he secured a three-year contract with 1860 Munich, binding him to the club until 2016.

He made his debut during the season opener, featuring for 75 minutes in a 1–1 draw against St. Pauli. In the DFB-Pokal first round, Adlung played through 120 minutes and successfully converted a penalty during a shootout win over 1. FC Heidenheim. Quickly becoming an integral midfield presence, he scored his first goal for 1860 Munich on 1 December 2013 in a 2–1 victory versus VfL Bochum. Marking his 200th league appearance on 10 February 2014, he continued to deliver important goals and assists throughout the campaign, concluding with thirty-five appearances and four goals.

At the outset of the 2014–15 season, Adlung was relegated to the second team alongside four colleagues due to off-field disciplinary issues; however, after issuing an apology, he was reinstated to first-team training promptly. Following recovery from a back injury, he resumed regular playtime and scored multiple times—including braces against Dynamo Dresden and Arminia Bielefeld—and assumed captaincy duties several times in Christopher Schindler's absence. Despite his efforts, the club finished sixteenth and entered relegation playoffs against Holstein Kiel, where Adlung scored in the second leg to help secure their league status. He wrapped up that season with thirty-four appearances and six goals.

During the opening match of the 2015–16 campaign, Adlung suffered an injury but returned swiftly to action. He netted his first goal of that season in a 2–2 draw with 1. FC Nürnberg and was named vice captain. Notably, he registered three assists in a single match during a thrilling 4–4 draw against Paderborn. An ankle injury sustained in February required surgery and sidelined him for six weeks. After returning in April, he once again captained the side and contributed to avoiding relegation, finishing with thirty-one appearances and one goal. Although his contract status was initially uncertain, it was extended through June 2018.

Throughout the 2016–17 season, Adlung remained a versatile midfield option but experienced reduced playing time—mostly as a substitute after mid-October. He scored once during a comprehensive 6–2 victory over Erzgebirge Aue but made only seventeen appearances overall as TSV 1860 München were relegated following an aggregate loss to Jahn Regensburg. In response to the club's poor performance, Adlung voiced criticism and was permitted to leave despite having an active contract until 2018. On 4 September 2017, both parties mutually agreed to terminate his contract, rendering him a free agent.

Adelaide United

In September 2017, Adlung signed a two-year deal with Adelaide United. He made his first appearance in a 1–1 draw against Wellington Phoenix and swiftly established himself as a regular starter in midfield. During his second game, he provided an assist in a 2–1 triumph over Brisbane Roar. Adlung netted his inaugural goal for the club in a 2–1 semi-final win against Western Sydney Wanderers in the 2017 FFA Cup, followed by another goal in November versus Central Coast Mariners.

He played the full 120 minutes in the 2017 FFA Cup Final, where Adelaide fell 2–1 to Sydney FC. In December 2017, Adlung received a red card during a 2–1 victory over Melbourne Victory. After serving his suspension, he returned to help secure a narrow 1–0 win against Central Coast Mariners. In January 2018, he scored during a 3–0 victory over Perth Glory but was substituted due to a back injury. Upon recovery, Adlung remained integral to the first team, concluding the season with six goals from 28 matches, including a two-goal performance against Newcastle Jets.

In May 2018, Adelaide United released Adlung, citing homesickness as the primary reason for his departure.

Return to Greuther Fürth

Adlung made his way back to Germany on 26 June 2018, rejoining Greuther Fürth as a player-assistant coach for their second team, SpVgg Greuther Fürth II. He quickly made his mark by assisting on two goals within his initial two league appearances and maintained a consistent starting role throughout the campaign. On 17 November 2018, he scored his first goal for the reserve squad in a 2–2 draw against Schalding-Heining.

In March 2019, Adlung was issued a straight red card for unsporting behavior during a 1–1 draw with TSV 1860 Rosenheim, resulting in a three-game ban. This disciplinary period was extended due to a subsequent back injury, but he returned to starting duties by May 2019 and completed the 2018–19 season with one goal across 28 appearances.

Entering the 2019–20 season as a regular starter, Adlung provided four assists in the opening six fixtures. He opened his scoring account for the season on 7 September 2019 in a 3–1 defeat to FV Illertissen and added another goal on 19 October 2019 during a 2–0 victory over TSV 1860 Rosenheim. The season was ultimately cut short and cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to this suspension, Adlung had featured in 23 matches and scored twice for the second team, maintaining steady involvement on the pitch.

International career

Adlung made his debut for the Germany U17 squad on 20 October 2003 against Portugal U17, playing the entire match in a 2–0 defeat. He accumulated three caps at this level. In November 2004, he progressed to the Germany U18 team, debuting in a narrow 2–1 loss to Turkey U18 and earning five appearances.

Advancing further, Adlung joined the Germany U19 side and debuted with a 1–1 draw versus China U19 on 12 September 2005. He scored his first goal at this level during a commanding 6–0 win against Cyprus U19 on 26 May 2006 and was awarded a bronze Fritz-Walter-Medal that same year. Overall, he made nine appearances for the U19 team.

His first appearance for the Germany U20 team came on 30 August 2006 in a tight 1–0 victory over Switzerland U20, totaling four caps at this stage. Subsequently, he debuted for the Germany U21 squad as a substitute in a 2–0 win against Scotland U21 on 6 February 2007. Selected for the German roster at the 2009 UEFA Under-21 Championship, Adlung did not feature on the field but was part of the tournament-winning squad. He amassed five appearances with the U21 national team in total.

Personal life

Adlung has two siblings, a sister and a brother. His father, Herbert, played an encouraging role in his football journey, believing firmly in his potential to excel professionally. Adlung adheres to a vegan diet, a choice shaped by the writings of Attila Hildmann and Brendan Brazier.

He is married to Julia, his partner of many years, and together they have a daughter named Aviana Rose.

Honours

VfL Wolfsburg

• Bundesliga champion: 2008–09

Adelaide United

• FFA Cup winner: 2018

1. FC Schweinfurt 05

• Regionalliga Bayern titleholder: 2019–21

Germany U21

• UEFA Under-21 Championship winner: 2009