Julian Draxler Biography: Early Life, Career, and Achievements
Julian Draxler is a German footballer known for his speed, agility, and ability to use both feet. He was born on September 20, 1993, in Gladbeck, a city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Draxler began playing football at a young age and joined the Rentfort football academy when he was just five years old.
Draxler made his debut in the Bundesliga at the age of 17, playing for Schalke 04 in January 2011. He later made his first goal for the team in May of that same year, which helped them win the final of DFB-Pokal. Draxler played 171 competitive games for Schalke, during which he scored 30 goals. He has also played for VfL Wolfsburg, Paris Saint-Germain, and Al Ahli.
Key Takeaways
- Julian Draxler is a German footballer known for his speed, agility, and ability to use both feet.
- Draxler made his debut in the Bundesliga at the age of 17, playing for Schalke 04 in January 2011.
- Draxler has played for several clubs throughout his career, including VfL Wolfsburg, Paris Saint-Germain, and Al Ahli.
Early Life
Julian Draxler was born on September 20, 1993, in Gladbeck, Germany. His parents are Hans-Jurgen Draxler and Monika Draxler. His father was a former footballer and is currently an administrator of his son’s career. Julian grew up with his brother, Patrick Draxler.
As a child, Julian showed a keen interest in football and began playing at a young age. He joined the youth academy of Schalke 04, one of the most successful football clubs in Germany, at the age of eight. He quickly rose through the ranks, impressing coaches and scouts with his natural talent and skill on the pitch.
Throughout his childhood, Julian was known for his ability to use both feet, his speed, and the power of his shot. These abilities would serve him well in his future career as a professional footballer.
Despite his success on the pitch, Julian remained grounded and focused on his studies. He attended a local high school in Gladbeck and graduated with good grades. He credits his parents for instilling in him a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence in all areas of his life.
Overall, Julian’s early life was defined by his passion for football, his natural talent and skill on the pitch, and his dedication to his studies and personal growth. These qualities would help him achieve great success in his future career as a professional footballer.
Career Beginnings
Julian Draxler began his professional football career with Schalke 04 in 2011 at the age of 18. He quickly established himself as a key player for the team, showcasing his impressive ability to use both feet, speed, and power of his shot. During his time with Schalke 04, Draxler helped the team win the DFB-Pokal in 2011 and the DFL-Supercup in 2011 and 2012.
In 2015, Draxler joined Wolfsburg, Schalke 04’s rival. His decision to join the club’s rival was heavily criticized by fans. During his time with Wolfsburg, Draxler helped the team reach the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League in the 2015-2016 season.
In January 2017, Draxler transferred to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for a reported fee of €42 million. During his time with PSG, Draxler has won numerous titles, including four Ligue 1 titles, three Coupe de France titles, and three Coupe de la Ligue titles. He has also helped the team reach the final of the UEFA Champions League in the 2019-2020 season.
Draxler is currently playing for Al Ahli in the Qatar Stars League and the Germany national team.
Rise to Prominence
Julian Draxler’s rise to prominence began at a young age. He joined the youth academy of Schalke 04 in 2001 at the age of eight and quickly rose through the ranks. He made his first-team debut for Schalke in January 2011 at just 17 years old, becoming the club’s fourth-youngest player to feature in the Bundesliga. Draxler’s performances caught the attention of many top European clubs, and he was soon touted as one of the most promising young talents in German football.
In the 2012-2013 season, Draxler established himself as a regular starter for Schalke and helped the club reach the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League. He scored his first Bundesliga hat-trick in a 4-0 win over Augsburg in February 2013, cementing his status as one of the brightest young talents in German football. His performances earned him a call-up to the German national team in May 2013, and he made his debut in a friendly against the United States.
Draxler’s performances in the 2013-2014 season earned him the Bundesliga’s “Young Player of the Year” award, and he was also named in the league’s “Team of the Season”. He continued to impress for Schalke in the following season, scoring 10 goals in 33 appearances in all competitions. In July 2015, Draxler joined VfL Wolfsburg on a five-year deal for a reported fee of €36 million.
Draxler’s time at Wolfsburg was somewhat mixed, with some impressive performances but also some inconsistent displays. He helped the club reach the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League in the 2015-2016 season, but he was also part of the team that narrowly avoided relegation from the Bundesliga in the 2016-2017 campaign. In January 2017, Draxler joined Paris Saint-Germain for a reported fee of €40 million.
Since joining PSG, Draxler has established himself as an important member of the squad. He has won numerous domestic titles with the club and helped them reach the final of the UEFA Champions League in the 2019-2020 season. Draxler’s performances for PSG have also earned him a regular place in the German national team, and he was part of the squad that won the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.
International Career
Draxler has been a regular member of the German national team since 2012, earning over 50 caps as of 2023. He was part of the squad that won the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he played in five of Germany’s seven matches. In the tournament, he scored a goal and provided two assists.
Draxler also played a key role in Germany’s run to the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2016, where they were defeated by the hosts, France. He started in all six of Germany’s matches, scoring once in the quarter-final victory over Italy.
Draxler was named the captain of the German national team in 2017 for the FIFA Confederations Cup, a tournament in which many of Germany’s regular starters were rested. Draxler led the team to victory, scoring in the group stage match against Cameroon and providing an assist in the final against Chile. He was awarded the Golden Ball trophy as the best player of the competition.
In addition to his success with the German national team, Draxler has also represented his country at the youth level. He was a member of the German squad that won the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2011 and the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2009.
Playing Style
Julian Draxler is known for his versatility on the pitch. He is capable of playing as an attacking midfielder, a winger, or even as a central midfielder. His ability to use both feet makes him a dangerous player on the pitch. He is also known for his speed and dribbling skills, which allow him to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Draxler’s playing style is characterized by his quickness, agility, and capacity for handling pressure. He is a technically gifted player who can control the ball with ease and has a keen eye for goal. Draxler is also an excellent passer of the ball, with a good understanding of the game and the ability to read the play.
One of Draxler’s strengths is his ability to take on defenders. He is a skillful dribbler who can beat opponents with his speed and quick footwork. Draxler is also a dangerous player from set-pieces, with a powerful shot that can trouble even the best goalkeepers in the world.
Despite his attacking prowess, Draxler is also a hardworking player who is willing to put in the effort on defense. He is known for his work rate and his ability to track back and help out his teammates when needed.
Overall, Julian Draxler’s playing style is a combination of skill, speed, and hard work. He is a versatile player who can make an impact in multiple positions on the pitch and is a valuable asset to any team he plays for.
Personal Life
Julian Draxler was born on September 20, 1993, in Gladbeck, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. He attended the Heisenberg-Gymnasium in Gladbeck before changing to Gesamtschule Berger Feld in 2011.
Draxler was introduced to football at a very young age by his father, and he became a fan of Schalke 04’s home matches. He has been a supporter of the team ever since.
Draxler was engaged to his childhood girlfriend, Lena Stiffel. However, the couple later broke up. He is currently in a relationship with French-born professional dancer and choreographer, Sethanie Taing.
Draxler has a close relationship with his family, and he often shares pictures of them on his social media accounts. He is also known for his love of music and often shares pictures of himself playing the guitar.
In his free time, Draxler enjoys playing golf and spending time with his friends. He is also involved in charitable work and has supported various organizations over the years.
Philanthropy
Julian Draxler has been involved in various charitable activities throughout his career. He has been a supporter of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, which aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged children through sports. In 2020, he participated in a charity auction organized by the foundation to raise funds for their programs.
Draxler has also supported the German Cancer Aid, a non-profit organization that provides support to cancer patients and their families. He donated a signed jersey to the organization, which was auctioned off to raise funds for cancer research.
In addition to these organizations, Draxler has also been involved in various other charitable initiatives. He has donated money to help rebuild a school in his hometown of Gladbeck, Germany, and has supported the fight against child poverty in Africa through the organization “Stars for Africa.”
Draxler’s philanthropic efforts have earned him praise from fans and fellow players alike. He has been recognized for his contributions to society and his dedication to making a positive impact on the world.
Awards and Achievements
Julian Draxler has had a successful career in football, earning numerous awards and achievements throughout his time on the pitch. Here are some of his most notable accomplishments:
- FIFA World Cup Winner: Draxler was part of the German national team that won the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He played a key role in the team’s success, scoring a goal in the group stage match against Ghana.
- UEFA Euro Semi-Finalist: In 2016, Draxler helped Germany reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Euro tournament. Although the team ultimately fell to France, Draxler’s performance throughout the tournament was praised by fans and analysts alike.
- FIFA Confederations Cup Champion: Draxler captained the German team that won the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup. He was awarded the Golden Ball trophy as the best player of the competition, thanks to his impressive performances throughout the tournament.
- Ligue 1 Winner: Since joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, Draxler has helped the team win multiple Ligue 1 titles. He has been an important player for the team, providing assists and scoring goals in key moments.
Overall, Draxler’s impressive list of awards and achievements is a testament to his skill and dedication as a football player. He has proven himself to be a valuable asset to any team he plays for, and his contributions on the pitch have not gone unnoticed by fans and analysts alike.
Legacy
Despite his relatively young age, Julian Draxler has already established himself as one of the most talented and versatile attacking midfielders in the world. He has received numerous accolades for his performances on the pitch, including the 2017 Confederations Cup Golden Ball and the 2011 Fritz Walter Medal for the best U18 player in Germany.
Draxler’s legacy is also marked by his ability to play with both feet, which has made him a valuable asset to any team he has played for. He is known for his speed, agility, and technical ability, which allow him to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Draxler is also a skilled dribbler and has a powerful shot, making him a constant threat in front of goal.
Off the pitch, Draxler is known for his professionalism and dedication to his craft. He is a team player who is respected by his peers and coaches alike. Draxler’s work ethic and commitment to improving his game have earned him the admiration of fans and pundits around the world.
Looking ahead, Draxler’s legacy is likely to continue to grow as he continues to play at the highest level of the sport. He has already achieved a great deal in his career, but there is no doubt that he has the potential to achieve even more in the years to come. Whether he is playing for his club or his country, Draxler is sure to leave his mark on the game for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What teams has Julian Draxler played for?
Julian Draxler has played for several teams throughout his career. He started his professional career at Schalke 04, where he played from 2011 to 2015. He then moved to VfL Wolfsburg for a year before joining Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2017.
When did Julian Draxler join PSG?
Julian Draxler joined PSG in January 2017. He signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with the French club and quickly established himself as an important player in the team.
When did Julian Draxler leave PSG?
Julian Draxler is still playing for PSG as of the current date (October 30, 2023). He has not left the club yet.
Has Julian Draxler won the World Cup?
Yes, Julian Draxler has won the World Cup. He was part of the German national team that won the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Draxler played an important role in the team’s success, appearing in six of Germany’s seven matches and scoring one goal.
What happened to Julian Draxler?
Nothing significant has happened to Julian Draxler recently. He is still playing for PSG and representing the German national team in international competitions.
Who is Lena Stiffel?
Lena Stiffel is a German model and actress. She is also known for being the girlfriend of Julian Draxler. The couple has been together for several years and often shares pictures of each other on social media.