The Bundesliga thrives on individual brilliance as much as team cohesion. Each month, the Player of the Month award, a joint effort by the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga and EA SPORTS, celebrates those who elevate the game. September 2025 was no exception, delivering a roster of nominees whose performances were nothing short of spectacular across Matchdays 3, 4, and 5. From prolific strikers to defensive stalwarts and midfield maestros, the competition is fierce, showcasing the depth of talent in Germany`s top flight.
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Is anyone truly surprised when Harry Kane appears on a list of top performers? The English striker continues to redefine prolificacy, making goal-scoring almost a mundane affair with his relentless consistency. In September alone, Kane netted an astonishing seven goals, contributing significantly to his already impressive tally of ten for the season. He currently holds a commanding lead atop the Bundesliga scoring charts, and for good measure, set a new record by converting 18 consecutive Bundesliga penalties. But to label Kane as merely a goalscorer would be a disservice, as Bayern coach Vincent Kompany aptly noted: “He`s so much more than that.” Kane’s profound importance is underlined by his leadership, his pivotal role in building attacks, and his eight goal involvements within the month, including a crucial assist. He’s not just putting the ball in the net; he’s orchestrating the entire offensive symphony.
Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen)
Bayer Leverkusen underwent a significant squad overhaul, yet one familiar face has remained as reliably brilliant as ever: Alejandro Grimaldo. The Spaniard is a rare breed, an outfield player who has played every minute of Leverkusen`s campaign last season and continued that ironman streak into the current one. Grimaldo`s remarkable set-piece ability makes him a constant threat, almost single-handedly securing a victory against Eintracht Frankfurt with two magnificent goals directly from free-kicks. On Matchday 5, his perfectly delivered set-piece led to a crucial goal, and he also provided the assist for the winning goal. In total, four of Bayer’s six goals in September featured Grimaldo’s decisive touch. Coach Kasper Hjulmand’s description of Grimaldo as “world class” after his outstanding performance is, in this context, less hyperbole and more an accurate technical assessment of his consistent impact.
Kaishu Sano (1. FSV Mainz 05)
Every successful team needs its unsung heroes, and for Mainz, that role is masterfully filled by midfielder Kaishu Sano. Like Grimaldo, the Japanese international has been an ever-present force, providing an essential layer of defensive stability. Sano`s knack for winning duels is particularly noteworthy; he recorded an outstanding 63 percent duel-winning rate in September, the highest among all Bundesliga players. In Mainz`s sole victory of the month, a commanding 4-1 triumph against Augsburg, Sano opened the scoring and later delivered a pivotal assist. His contributions are more than just statistics; they are the engine driving Mainz`s midfield. Mainz sporting director Niko Bungert encapsulated his value perfectly: “He`s outstanding in the Bundesliga and Europe. He`s a joy for us, and annoys our opponents. There`s more to him than we know.” Indeed, Sano is the quiet force that allows others to shine.
Can Uzun (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Eintracht Frankfurt`s young star, Can Uzun, has been a revelation this season. Alongside Harry Kane, he stands as the only player in the Bundesliga to have scored in all five opening matchdays—a historic achievement not just for Frankfurt, but also making him the first teenager in Bundesliga history to accomplish this feat. Uzun’s three goals in September rank him as the league`s second-best scorer for the month among attacking midfielders. With a scoring efficiency of +2.3, he proved to be the league`s top finisher in September, converting chances with remarkable precision. Eintracht coach Dino Toppmöller highlighted Uzun’s “great transformation” after a challenging debut season, noting his emergence as an indispensable playmaker, even keeping a seasoned veteran like Mario Götze on the bench. His influence was palpable in an outstanding 6-4 away win at Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he pulled the strings for 60 minutes, leaving the pitch with his side leading 6-0. This teenager isn`t just promising; he`s delivering.
Noah Atubolu (Sport-Club Freiburg)
In Freiburg`s defense, consistency wears a name: Noah Atubolu. The goalkeeper has been an omnipresent and often impenetrable barrier. In September, Atubolu saved an outstanding 83 percent of shots directed at his goal, being beaten only twice throughout the month. His goalkeeping efficiency of +1.8 statistically indicates he prevented more goals than the average goalkeeper in the division. His defining moment came on Matchday 4, where he saved a penalty from Romano Schmid and secured a clean sheet against Werder Bremen. This marked his fifth consecutive penalty save, setting a new Bundesliga record. Freiburg coach Julian Schuster effused, “He exudes great confidence, which is an important feeling for the coach, but especially for his teammates.” When facing Atubolu from 12 yards, strikers might start wondering if he has a pre-game ritual involving a crystal ball; his penalty-stopping prowess is truly exceptional.
David Raum (RB Leipzig)
When Leipzig coach Ole Werner named left-back David Raum as Die Roten Bullen`s captain, he spoke of a “phase of change” and a desire for more leaders. Raum has repaid that faith with a series of top-notch performances, demonstrating leadership not just with the armband, but with undeniable output. Raum has not missed a single minute this season and has been a colossal source of offensive chances. In September, he created ten shots, placing him second in the Bundesliga for that metric. His eight crosses from open play were the fifth-best in the league. Furthermore, he displayed his dead-ball artistry in a 3-1 win against a robust Cologne side, converting a free-kick directly. Raum’s blend of defensive solidity, creative flair, and set-piece expertise clearly positions him as one of the main catalysts for Leipzig`s dramatic upturn in fortunes during September.
The selection for September`s Player of the Month is a testament to the diverse and exceptional talent gracing the Bundesliga. Each nominee, from Kane`s relentless pursuit of goals to Atubolu`s impenetrable net and Raum`s captain`s masterclass, represents a facet of footballing excellence. This isn`t just about statistics; it`s about impact, leadership, and moments of sheer brilliance that captivated fans across Germany. While the ultimate decision awaits the combined votes of fans and experts, their contributions are already etched into the vibrant narrative of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season. The choice is undoubtedly difficult, but the celebration of these athletes reminds us why this league remains one of the world`s most captivating.
