Maximilian Arnold

VfL Wolfsburg

Youth and early Wolfsburg career

Born in Riesa, Germany, Arnold represented local sides BSV Strehla and SC Riesa during his formative years. In 2006, at the age of 12, he left Riesa to join the academy of Dynamo Dresden where he spent the next four years before signing for VfL Wolfsburg. During his time with Wolfsburg's youth sides he helped the club to two German U-19 championships; in 2009 and 2011. Arnold was handed his first-team debut by Felix Magath on 26 November 2011 when he came on as a late substitute in a 2–0 loss against FC Augsburg. Upon appearing, Arnold became the club's youngest ever debutant at the age of 17 years, five months and 30 days. However, he spent the majority of the season with the U-19 team and made only one further senior appearance for the remainder of the campaign. After continuing to impress at youth level, Arnold returned to the first team in 2013 under new manager Dieter Hecking. On 13 April, he scored his first professional goal in a 2–2 home draw against 1899 Hoffenheim. By doing so, Arnold also became the club's youngest ever goalscorer. He scored again the following week in a 3–0 victory against Werder Bremen, which helped end a streak of five matches without a victory for Wolfsburg. Following a run of two goals in six matches, Arnold signed an extended four-year contract with the club.

First team breakthrough and Cup success

The following season, Arnold started in the opening match against…

Club

As of match played 18 September 2026

International

Youth

Between 2009 and 2017, Arnold represented Germany at every youth level. In 2017, he served as captain the U-21 team to the title at the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Poland. Arnold recorded two assists and scored his spot-kick in a penalty shoot-out victory against England in the semi-finals, as Germany went on to claim their second title with another victory, this time against Spain. His performances throughout the tournament ultimately earned him a spot in the team of the tournament. Arnold was named as one of the three permitted overage players in Germany's squad for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, eventually being selected as captain. Arnold would be sent off in the opening match of the tournament, a 4-2 defeat against Brazil.

Senior

On 13 May 2014, Arnold made his debut against Poland, but played only the last 14 minutes after replacing Max Meyer.

VfL Wolfsburg

DFB-Pokal: 2014–15 DFL-Supercup: 2015 Germany U21

UEFA European Under-21 Championship: 2017 Individual

UEFA European Under-21 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2017