Benjamin Henrichs
Benjamin Paa Kwesi Henrichs is a German professional footballer who plays as a full-back or midfielder for Bundesliga club RB Leipzig and the Germany national team.
Club career
Bayer Leverkusen
Henrichs is an academy graduate of Bayer Leverkusen, whom he joined at the age of seven, and captained the side at under-19 level. Having impressed during his formative years with the club, he was promoted to the senior side in 2015 and made his Bundesliga debut on 20 September when he came on as a second-half substitute for Karim Bellarabi in a 3–0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund. He became a regular with the side the following season during which he amassed 29 appearances for the campaign. He ultimately went on to make over 80 appearances for the club across all competitions before signing for Ligue 1 side AS Monaco in August 2018.AS Monaco
On 28 August 2018, Henrichs joined Monaco on a five-year contract. Two months later, on 27 October, he scored his first goal in a 2–2 draw against Dijon.RB Leipzig (loan)
On 8 July 2020, Henrichs joined RB Leipzig on a season-long loan. The deal included an option to buy for €15 million at the end of the season.RB Leipzig
On 12 April 2021, Henrichs joined RB Leipzig on a permanent deal until 2025, in which they activated the €15 million buyout option. Later that year, on 11 December, he scored his first Bundesliga goal in the stoppage time in a 4–1 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach.In May 2024, he extended his contract at the club until 2028. By the end of the year, on 20 December, he sustained a torn Achilles tendon in a match against Bayern Munich which would sideline him for the rest of the season.
International career
Henrichs was born in Germany to a German father and a Ghanaian mother and was eligible to represent both nations prior to making his debut for Germany. In a 2017 interview, he revealed that Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien was his idol growing up but he chose to represent Germany because they were the nation which approached him when he was still a teenager.Germany
On 4 November 2016, Henrichs was called up to the Germany national side for the first time by manager Joachim Löw for the nation's World Cup qualifier against San Marino and a friendly match against Italy. Seven days later, he made his debut against the former in an 8–0 victory for Germany.The following year, he was named in Löw's squad for the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup – the curtain raiser for the 2018 FIFA World Cup – and made two appearances as Germany went on to lift the title. He was later excluded from Germany's World Cup squad.
Henrichs was named in Germany's squad for UEFA Euro 2024.
Honours
RB LeipzigGermany
Individual
- Fritz Walter Medal U19 Gold: 2016