Andreas Hinkel Biography: Early Life, Career, and Achievements
Andreas Hinkel is a former German professional football player turned coach. Born on March 26, 1982, in Backnang, Germany, Hinkel is known for his attacking play on the flanks and defensive solidity. He grew up in Leutenbach, Baden-Württemberg, and started playing football at a young age. Hinkel came to the youth teams of Stuttgart when he was ten years old.
Hinkel played as a right-back and earned 21 caps for the Germany national team. He spent the majority of his career at VfB Stuttgart, where he won the Bundesliga title in the 2006/07 season. Hinkel was also a member of the Celtic team that won the Scottish Premier League in 2010. In January 2019, Hinkel returned to VfB Stuttgart as assistant manager of the first team. In March 2023, he became the Co-Trainer of the Belgian National Team under Domenico Tedesco.
Key Takeaways
- Andreas Hinkel is a former German professional football player turned coach.
- He played as a right-back and earned 21 caps for the Germany national team.
- Hinkel spent the majority of his career at VfB Stuttgart and is currently the Co-Trainer of the Belgian National Team.
Early Life and Education
Andreas Hinkel was born on March 26th, 1982 in Backnang, Germany. He grew up in a football-loving family and started playing at a young age. Hinkel’s father was a football coach and played a significant role in his son’s early development.
Hinkel attended the Max-Born-Gymnasium in Backnang, where he balanced his studies with his passion for football. He quickly caught the attention of local clubs and soon joined the youth academy of VfB Stuttgart.
At VfB Stuttgart, Hinkel continued to develop his skills and quickly rose through the ranks. He made his first-team debut in 2000 and became a regular starter in the following season.
Despite his success on the pitch, Hinkel never neglected his education. He graduated from high school in 2001 and continued to take courses in business administration during his football career.
Professional Football Career
Andreas Hinkel started his professional football career with VfB Stuttgart in 2000. He quickly became a regular starter for the team and helped them win the Bundesliga title in the 2006/07 season. During his time at VfB Stuttgart, he made over 200 appearances and scored 10 goals.
In 2006, Hinkel moved to La Liga club Sevilla. He played for Sevilla for a year and a half, helping them win the UEFA Cup in the 2006/07 season. In January 2008, he signed for Scottish club Celtic on a three-and-a-half-year deal. He played for Celtic for two and a half seasons, winning the Scottish Premier League twice and the Scottish Cup once. During his time at Celtic, he made 88 appearances and scored 3 goals.
In 2010, Hinkel returned to Germany and signed for SC Freiburg. He played for Freiburg for three seasons, making 78 appearances and scoring 1 goal. In 2013, he announced his retirement from professional football.
VfB Stuttgart
Hinkel started his professional football career with VfB Stuttgart in 2000. He quickly became a regular starter for the team and helped them win the Bundesliga title in the 2006/07 season. During his time at VfB Stuttgart, he made over 200 appearances and scored 10 goals.
Celtic
In January 2008, Hinkel signed for Scottish club Celtic on a three-and-a-half-year deal. He played for Celtic for two and a half seasons, winning the Scottish Premier League twice and the Scottish Cup once. During his time at Celtic, he made 88 appearances and scored 3 goals.
SC Freiburg
In 2010, Hinkel returned to Germany and signed for SC Freiburg. He played for Freiburg for three seasons, making 78 appearances and scoring 1 goal. In 2013, he announced his retirement from professional football.
International Career
Hinkel earned 21 caps for the Germany national team. He made his debut in a friendly match against Denmark on August 18, 2004, and was part of the squad that reached the semifinals of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
He was also part of the German team that finished as runners-up at UEFA Euro 2008. Hinkel played the full 90 minutes in the group stage match against Poland and was an unused substitute in the final against Spain.
Despite his solid performances for Stuttgart and Sevilla, Hinkel was often overlooked by the national team due to the presence of Philipp Lahm and later, Jerome Boateng, at right-back. He last played for Germany in a friendly match against Denmark on August 11, 2010.
Hinkel’s international career was cut short due to injuries and the emergence of younger players. However, he remains a respected figure in German football and is regarded as one of the best right-backs of his generation.
Coaching Career
Andreas Hinkel started his coaching career in 2013 after retiring from professional football. He began as an assistant coach for the VfB Stuttgart U17 team, where he worked for two years before moving on to VfB Stuttgart II.
VfB Stuttgart II
Hinkel joined VfB Stuttgart II in 2015 as an assistant coach. He worked under head coach Walter Thomae and helped the team finish 3rd in the Regionalliga Südwest in the 2015-16 season. In the following season, Hinkel was promoted to head coach of the team. Under his leadership, VfB Stuttgart II finished 4th in the Regionalliga Südwest.
FC Augsburg
In 2017, Hinkel left VfB Stuttgart II to join FC Augsburg as an assistant coach. He worked under head coach Manuel Baum and helped the team finish 12th in the Bundesliga in the 2017-18 season. Hinkel left FC Augsburg in 2019 to become the head coach of the U17 team at RB Leipzig.
Andreas Hinkel has since continued his coaching career and has worked with several other teams.
Legacy and Impact
Andreas Hinkel was known for his attacking play on the flanks and defensive solidity. He earned 21 caps for the Germany national team and played as a right-back. During his career, he played for VfB Stuttgart, Sevilla, Celtic, and SC Freiburg.
Hinkel’s impact on the football world can be seen through his coaching career. Between 2014 and 2016, he was an assistant coach in Stuttgart’s youth system, the first team, and the reserve team. He started from the 2013/14 season as manager for the U12 team and also as assistant manager for the U16’s. His experience as a player and coach has allowed him to pass on his knowledge and skills to the next generation of footballers.
Off the pitch, Hinkel is also known for his charitable work. He founded the Andreas Hinkel Foundation, which supports children and young people who are socially disadvantaged or suffering from illness. The foundation has provided financial support to various organizations, including the German Cancer Aid and the German Children’s Cancer Foundation.
Hinkel’s legacy as a player and coach will continue to inspire future generations of footballers. His dedication to the sport and his charitable work off the pitch have made him a respected figure in the football community.
Personal Life
Andreas Hinkel was born on March 26, 1982, in Backnang, Germany. He is married and has two children.
Off the field, Hinkel is known for his charity work. He has been involved in various charitable organizations and foundations throughout his career, including the German Red Cross and the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.
Hinkel is also an avid golfer and enjoys playing the sport in his free time. In addition, he is a fan of music and enjoys listening to a variety of genres.
Overall, Hinkel is a private individual and keeps his personal life out of the public eye.
Frequently Asked Questions
What teams did Andreas Hinkel play for during his career?
Andreas Hinkel played for several teams during his career, including VfB Stuttgart, Sevilla, Celtic, and SC Freiburg. He spent the majority of his career at VfB Stuttgart, where he played from 2000 to 2006 and then again from 2011 to 2014.
What position did Andreas Hinkel play?
Andreas Hinkel played as a right-back during his career. He was known for his attacking play on the flanks and defensive solidity.
How many caps did Andreas Hinkel earn for the German national team?
Andreas Hinkel earned 21 caps for the German national team. He made his debut for the national team in 2007 and played his last game for the team in 2009.
What is Andreas Hinkel doing now?
Andreas Hinkel is currently working as a football coach. Between 2014 and 2016, he worked as an assistant coach in Stuttgart’s youth system, the first team, and the reserve team. He also worked as a manager for the U12 team and as an assistant manager for the U16’s.
Did Andreas Hinkel ever win any major trophies?
Yes, Andreas Hinkel won several major trophies during his career. He won the Bundesliga with VfB Stuttgart in 2007 and the Scottish Premier League with Celtic in 2010.
What is Andreas Hinkel’s most memorable moment in his career?
Andreas Hinkel’s most memorable moment in his career is likely winning the Bundesliga with VfB Stuttgart in 2007. He played a key role in the team’s success that season, making 31 appearances and scoring two goals.