Tom Starke

Tom Starke is a German goalkeeper of Bayern Munich. He was born in Freital, the Free State of Saxony.

Tom started playing football in the youth system of Stahl, in his native town. At the age of 8 he moved to Dresden with his parents and joined the local club Dynamo. In 2000 the young goalkeeper became of interest to Bayer Leverkusen scouts and was purchased by the club. During 6 years with Bayer, Tom made only 47 appearances for the second team.

In winter 2004 Starke was sent out on loan for a season to Hamburger SV, where the two main keepers were injured. Playing for Hamburger, he made two appearances both in the first and second teams. The goalkeeper made his Bundesliga debut in the 14th Round of the German championship. It was the 2–0 home win over Hertha BSC Berlin on 13 March 2004. Having played 4 matches for Hamburger, Tom made his comeback to Bayer.

In winter 2006 the goalkeeper accepted an invitation from SC Paderborn 07 which played in the Bundesliga 2. Starke signed a three-year deal with the club, but managed to stay there for half a year, making 47 appearances.

In summer 2007 Tom was scouted by MSV Duisburg which had just returned to Bundesliga. Before the start of a new season Duisburg’s main goalkeeper Georg Koch cancelled his contract with the club, thus Starke joined Duisburg and made his Bundesliga comeback.

The German player’s first match for Duisburg was quite successful. His club sensationally defeated Borussia Dortmund 3-1, and Tom was reliable in keeping the goal safe. The goalkeeper played a total of 86 matches for the club and was honoured to wear the captain’s armband.

In summer 2010 Starke was purchased by TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, and after another two years he was signed by Bayern Munich which was looking for a reliable substitute for Manuel Neuer.