When putting into context the significance of Freiburg reaching their first ever European final, the words of Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany feel the most pertinent.

"I think it [Freiburg's success] embodies everything that is positive about football," Kompany said recently. "It's a small club that's building itself up with its own resources. What Freiburg are doing is a great example for many other clubs."

Much has been written about the small club from Baden-Württemberg in recent years. A local club in its origin, Freiburg have evolved from a team yoyoing between the divisions to an established Bundesliga side.

Despite a first-ever German Cup final in 2022 (one that ended in a dramatic defeat on penalties), a Europa League tie against Juventus the year after and a new stadium in 2021, Freiburg have never strayed from the core values of a local club. They are prudent with their business, growth always feels organic, and ultimately, in an era of staggering financial power, remain that rarest of all things in football: a sensible club.

Youth development, money management, cultural vibes

Freiburg have an excellent record of developing young players. It is estimated that 60 or more players currently in the top three divisions were either developed by or have played for the club. Then there's the financial restraint the club has shown in recent years. Beyond their approach in the transfer market – their record signing is Ritsu Doan in 2022, for a reported fee of just over €10m ($11.6m) – the management of the books is truly an example for others.

In 2025, Freiburg reported a profit of €11.8 million despite not playing in Europe, where prize money is higher. Also, unusually, Freiburg have no bank liabilities.

Noah, who has had a season ticket since he was six, believes that this management is what helped steer the club through the coronavirus pandemic, a time when historically more powerful clubs like Schalke and Borussia Mönchengladbach struggled.

"I'd even go so far as to say that without the pandemic, this dramatic rise wouldn't have happened, because the other clubs would have been able to continue operating as usual" Noah told DW.

Beyond that, there is also the way the city and the club work together.

"There are cafes in Freiburg where you know players go," Noah said. "They don't live a closed-off life. You can see them walk through the city and you can say hello. I think this is why many players stay at the club for years instead of taking the next step, even if they could." Matthias Ginter and Vincenzo Grifo are the two most obvious players who both left but returned. Both have played their best football in Freiburg. “The club knows me, and I know the club," is how Grifo summed it up to the Pforzheimer Kurier newspaper. “I feel like I never left."

Head coach connection also key to development

The club's success and recognition are also connected to their charismatic, emotional and outspoken head coach Christian Streich, who left in 2024 after 12 years in charge. Streich regularly spoke out about social issues in Germany and often reminded football of its place in the world. Now, the club quietly enjoying its tenth consecutive season in Germany's topflight has a chance to win a major European trophy and qualify for the biggest show in club football, the Champions League.

"With Christian Günther, who is now the club's all-time leader in appearances, with Vincenzo Grifo, who is our all-time leading scorer, and now with Nico Höfler, who has simply been the face of this club for years and who's going to play his last game for the club in an international final in Istanbul, it's emotional," said Noah, who described the season as "incredible."

And then there's head coach Julian Schuster. A former playing legend who played under Streich, his transition to head coach has been seamless. 

"I remember him as a player, as our captain. I still remember him scoring a bicycle kick. Then, in 2022, he was there in the away end in Hamburg for the German Cup semifinals, singing along to the songs at the top of his lungs," said Noah, explaining why he's such a natural fit.

A fairytale ending in sight?

This European run saw Freiburg finish seventh in the league phase, before seeing off Genk, Celta Vigo and Braga to make the final. Their opponents are Premier League side Aston Villa, who have a squad market value of nearly €550m – more than twice that of Freiburg's.

To say they are the underdogs, would be an understatement.

"To be completely honest, I'd also be a little afraid of what would happen to the club if they actually won a game like that," said Noah, admitting his Freiburg DNA might be getting the better of him. "With the club's growing success and the ever-increasing number of members— I'm worried that it will eventually become a question of how to preserve our own identity and maintain realistic expectations."

Emotion, not expectation will be the hardest thing for Freiburg fans to manage in the next few days.

"The chance to share that with people I've been in the stands with since I was a little kid, with people who I've experienced all of this with, who I traveled to Sandhausen with, to Koblenz with, and who've been with me to all those away games, even in the second division, and who have simply been with this club for years… that's real, and it makes me really happy and emotional," said Noah.

Edited by: Matt Pearson