Mats Hummels

Mats Julian Hummels grew up in the Bayern Munich youth system, where his father, Hermann, worked as a youth coordinator. He began his career playing as a midfielder, but soon took the position of a central back.

During two seasons, from 2006 to 2007, Mats took part in 42 games and amassed 5 goals for Bayern Munich II. On 19 December 2006 he was offered to sign a professional contract with the club.

On 19 May 2007 Hummels made his first line-up start in a game versus Mainz 05, which ended in a 5-2 home win.

In 2008 the defender wasn’t included in the club’s first squad and went on loan to Borussia Dortmund. Thanks to the manager Jürgen Klopp, it did not take long for Mats to become a first choice centre back. January 2009 was a breaking point for Hummels due to ligaments tearing, but it was obvious that he was very far from rejoining his native club. The next month Mats officially joined Borussia side for a €4 million fee.

On 26 February 2011 he headed in a goal against his former team Bayern Munich, in that way extending the lead 3-1 and becoming quite famous.

During Euro 2012 Mats was a pivot in Germany's defence.