Rüdiger Kauf

Born in Esslingen am Neckar, Baden-Württemberg, Kauf started his career in the youth team of TV Hochdorf in 1982. From 1994 to 1996 he played for SC Geislingen and from 1996 to 1998 for VfL Kirchheim/Teck. In 1998, Kauf signed his first professional contract with VfB Stuttgart. In the 1999–2000 season, he debuted in the Bundesliga. In the three years at Stuttgart he was not able to get a permanent place in the first team and so he left for Arminia Bielefeld in the 2. Bundesliga. With Bielefeld he achieved the promotion to the Bundesliga in the 2001–02 season. The club was relegated in the season after but achieved immediate promotion again in the 2003–04 season. Kauf had been an integral part of the team and had also been captain for Arminia Bielefeld. Following injuries during the 2010–11 season, he retired at the end of that season.

In Bielefeld, Kauf was an undisputed regular and the so-called "midfield engine" of Arminia due to his tireless running performance and ball-winning ability. He stood out especially for his commitment and readiness for running.