Pierre Merkel

Merkel was born in Bad Kreuznach. After spending the first few seasons of his career in the fifth tier Oberliga Südwest, Merkel joined 2. Bundesliga side Eintracht Braunschweig in 2011. He made his debut in professional football on 23 September 2011, coming on in the 84th minute in an away game against FSV Frankfurt, and scoring the late 1–1 equalizer on a header. His Braunschweig teammates nicknamed him "Angie" after German chancellor Angela Merkel. In 2013, Merkel's contract in Braunschweig was terminated mutually and he joined Hallescher FC of the 3. Liga on a free transfer. After one season in Halle, Merkel moved to Regionalliga Nord side VfB Oldenburg.