VfB Stuttgart has completed the signing of promising young talent Noah Darvich from Barcelona. Read on to find out more about the 18-year-old German U19 captain with a bright future ahead.
Key Stats
Noah Darvich
Age: 18 (born 25 September 2006)
Club: VfB Stuttgart
Position: Midfielder
Country: Germany (41 youth caps, 13 goals)
Stuttgart`s acquisition of Darvich marks the return of one of Germany`s most exciting young players to his home country after a two-year period in Barcelona. His football journey began at his hometown club, Freiburg. He joined the Bundesliga side`s academy in 2015 at the age of eight and rose impressively through their youth ranks.
He was notably young, just 14, when he debuted for Freiburg`s U17 team in the 2021/22 season, where he made 15 appearances, scoring four goals and providing two assists. He drew significantly more attention the following season. After stepping up to the U19s, Darvich, despite joining later in October, scored five goals and assisted three in just eight matches.
These performances not only helped him finish as runner-up in the 2023 Fritz Walter Awards – recognizing Germany’s top young players across different age groups – but also secured him a move to European powerhouse Barcelona.
At Barcelona, Darvich quickly settled in, scoring twice in four UEFA Youth League matches in 2023/24 and appearing 21 times for Barcelona’s B team that season. He continued his progress with 25 games for the B team in 2024/25 and was even named on the first-team bench by Hansi Flick for two La Liga games and the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Inter Milan.
However, his most impactful displays have arguably come for Germany’s youth national teams. As captain, Darvich led the U17s to triumph in both the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup in 2023, contributing a total of four goals and eight assists across the two tournaments.
His transition to the Germany U19 squad was smooth, and he also took on the captaincy at that level. A muscle injury unfortunately limited his participation, and Germany was narrowly defeated 6-5 by Spain after extra-time in the semi-finals, potentially missing out on U19 Euro success due to his absence.
Plays a bit like: Enzo Millot
Darvich is quite similar to current Stuttgart playmaker Enzo Millot. Both players utilize their vision and skillful left feet to find teammates in dangerous attacking positions. Millot has also captained his national team, leading France’s U21 side during qualification for this summer`s Euros.
Millot has frequently showcased his technical ability during his time in the Bundesliga, and Darvich is a player who possesses the potential to emulate his success for the club.
Did you know?
Stuttgart’s new recruit is eligible to represent three different countries internationally. While he has opted to play for Germany, his birth country, at youth level, he could also represent Iraq and France through his father.
What they are saying?
“Noah is one of the guys from La Masia. He`s developed really well, both physically and technically.”
– Hansi Flick
“We wish them all the best. The door in Freiburg is not closed, but only ajar.”
– Freiburg sporting director Klemens Hartenbach following Darvich`s departure to Barcelona
“We are delighted to have signed Noah Darvich. Noah is one of the absolute top talents in his age group and is already performing at a high level.”
– Stuttgart sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth
