Martin Forkel

Youth career

Forkel was born in Coburg. He played as a youth for two clubs in his hometown, Viktoria DJK Coburg and VfB Coburg, before joining TSV Vestenbergsgreuth. TSV merged with SpVgg Fürth in 1996, forming Greuther Fürth, with whom Forkel would make his breakthrough in the professional game.

Southern Germany

Forkel made one appearance for Greuther Fürth, as a substitute for Arie van Lent in a 3–1 win over FSV Mainz in the 2. Bundesliga in December 1998. He was released by the club at the end of the 1998–99 season, signing for Borussia Fulda of the Regionalliga Süd. Fulda were relegated in Forkel's only season with the club, finishing 17th, but he was to stay at the third tier, signing for Wacker Burghausen in July 2000. In Forkel's first season with Burghausen, the club battled against relegation, but were promoted as champions in 2001–02, with Forkel and ever-present. He would go on to play for the club for four seasons in the 2. Bundesliga, achieving a mid-table finish each time, before leaving to join TuS Koblenz in July 2006.

Western Germany

Forkel made his debut for TuS Koblenz on the opening day of the 2006–07 season, as a substitute for Rüdiger Ziehl in a 2–1 defeat against MSV Duisburg. As at Burghausen, he would play for four seasons in the 2. Bundesliga, although his appearances were more restricted, and his time at Koblenz ended with the club being relegated to the 3. Liga in 2010. Forkel then joined another 3. Liga club, 1. FC…

Forkel moved to coach in Luxembourg, starting with Berdenia Berbourg before moving to Victoria Rosport where he spent four years. He then moved to Mondorf-les-Bains in May 2026.