108 goals and counting: Grifo signs new deal with Freiburg

Veteran winger Vincenzo Grifo, Freiburg’s record scorer with 108 goals in all competitions, has signed a fresh contract with the Black Forest outfit, confirming his stay after first arriving at the club in 2015. The 33‑year‑old’s deal was announced alongside a photo credit to © IMAGO/Arne Amberg. The announcement also carried the tag Freiburg19.08.2026SummaryVeteran and the string AmbergbundesligaVincenzo.

Contract terms and player ambition

The length of the new deal has not been disclosed, but both Grifo and the club expressed delight at the agreement. Grifo said, “My journey here isn’t over yet and there are still a number of things I want to achieve. I’m very ambitious and I want to be on the pitch in every game. The competition from the younger players keeps me on my toes and makes all of us better.” He added that his family had found a home in Freiburg, making the decision easy.

Sporting director Klemens Hartenbach praised the veteran, stating, “Working with Vince is special, whether that’s on the pitch, in the dressing room or in our conversations with him. His consistent performances and the support he provides to his teammates make him hugely important to the whole group.”

Career milestones and European experience

Since his return, Grifo has amassed 360 competitive appearances for Die Breisgauer, reinforcing his status as a club stalwart. He captained Freiburg in their first European final last season, wearing the armband as Julian Schuster’s side fell to Aston Villa in Istanbul. The campaign saw him overtake Nils Petersen as the club’s all‑time top scorer.

Grifo helped Freiburg clinch the Bundesliga 2 title in his debut season, 2025/16, before moving to Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2017. A year later he joined Hoffenheim, only to return on loan to Freiburg in 2019 and later sign permanently. His journey reflects a deep connection with the Black Forest club.

Upcoming fixtures

Freiburg travel to Fortuna Düsseldorf in the DFB Cup first round on Sunday 23 August, then open their Bundesliga campaign at home against Werder Bremen a week later. The fixtures underline the club’s ambition to build on Grifo’s experience as the season unfolds.