From Regional League Star to Real Madrid Bound: Unveiling Kevin Behrens, Union Berlin's Cycling Striker Phenomenon

Kevin Behrens, not Harry Kane, has emerged as the standout striker of the Bundesliga season. While both players made their debut in the league at the age of 30, Behrens notably spent a significant portion of the past decade honing his skills in the regional leagues of German football. Now, he is preparing himself for a potential move to Real Madrid.

At the age of 32, Behrens transcends being merely a heartwarming tale. After spending what was considered his peak years in the fourth tier, he emerged as a hero at Union Berlin. On the opening weekend, he scored a remarkable hat-trick against Mainz and even cycled home. Behrens has now become a symbol.

This significance extends beyond just himself. The newspaper Berliner Zeitung drew a parallel between Behrens and Neymar, who supposedly enjoys luxurious comfort on his private jet made with golden leather. Merely by choosing to avoid the traffic of East Berlin, Behrens was regarded as a contrarian figure.

The content for Union has been rewritten as follows:

Union, in particular, has embarked on an extraordinary journey to reach the Champions League by harnessing an unusual formula. This beloved club from the capital, renowned for its passionate supporters rather than its football prowess, has defied expectations and surprised Germany's top teams. Without any financial backing, their success is rooted in unwavering belief.

Behrens personifies this remarkable journey. Jacob Sweetman, an Englishman who now resides in Berlin and works as a member of the communications team, shares the story of Union with the English-speaking community, regarding Behrens as an iconic figure.

"Union is described as a traditional football club," he clarifies, referring to the Behrens phenomenon. Behrens' remarkable achievement of scoring a hat-trick with headers against Mainz, becoming the first player to do so in a Bundesliga game this century, perfectly satisfies the desires of the Union crowd.

"We don't crave a ground-level ball game. We prefer a dominant No 9. We're not seeking a cunning genius. We value someone who fearlessly challenges with their elbows. The fact that Behrens can endure head kicks and keep going is truly adored by us. Kevin Behrens encompasses all these qualities."

YouTube

Due to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view this.

Open Privacy Options

His goals have been well-timed due to the ongoing changes at Union. In August, the club made significant signings by acquiring Germany internationals Robin Gosens and Kevin Volland. As if that wasn't enough, they further strengthened their team by including the legendary Italian defender Leonardo Bonucci. Truly, a new era has begun.

Their Champions League home matches will be hosted at the expansive Olympiastadion, which belongs to Hertha and not Union. Behrens serves as a reminder that despite being a club that takes pride in its identity, this is still Union. Sweetman explains, "I've observed a condescending attitude towards him in the past year or so from the more affluent media. They view him as inferior. Without a doubt, there is a sense of snobbery, and many Union fans believe that people perceive their club in the same way, which is why they embrace him."

'Such a strange career'

Behrens' journey is what sets this story apart, as his determination and resilience were vital in overcoming challenges. "Never giving up and working hard continuously, both on and off the field, while maintaining self-belief and seizing opportunities," he shared. This is the mindset that has characterized Behrens' unique path.

Released by Werder Bremen during his youth, Behrens faced multiple setbacks as he transitioned between clubs, impressing supporters but not always his coaches. He would go on to have a season at Alemannia Aachen and another at Rot-Weiss Essen before finally finding a place to call home in Saarbrucken at the age of 25.

Robert Roelofsen later took on the role of assistant manager at Saarbrucken. "Following a series of training sessions," Roelofsen informs We, "I expressed to the head coach, 'Our strength lies in our ability to swiftly transition on the field.' Behrens was not inclined towards complex strategies, instead excelling when there was ample space available.

Image:

Behrens competes for the ball as an FC Saarbrücken player in the fourth tier

Roelofsen, who had successfully coached in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg, encountered various players during his tenure. However, none quite compared to Behrens. "I've worked with players whom I believed would reach great heights but ultimately fell short. Yet, there are those who astonish you. I've never come across a player with such an unconventional career trajectory."

Roelofsen's explanation? "Many players mistakenly believe they've achieved success at a young age simply because they earn substantial sums of money. Developing the hunger necessary to advance to the next level is challenging. However, Kevin always possessed the mindset of striving for progression, as he was never content with his accomplishments thus far."

Behrens departed Saarbrucken following the club's failure to secure promotion to 1860 Munich in the playoffs. "Undoubtedly, the fourth league was beneath his capabilities. I certainly envisioned him making a stride towards the second league. As for the Champions League? Sadly, it was not within his reach."

Image:

Behrens fighting for the ball during his time with Sandhausen in 2018

His time at Sandhausen solidified his reputation in the second division. Union took a gamble by bringing him to the Bundesliga. It seemed risky to rely on a player over the age of 30 to step up. However, Union's unconventional style under Urs Fischer turned out to be a perfect fit for Berhens.

"Finding the right approach to play alongside him is crucial," explains Roelofsen. "If he were on a team like Manchester City, where they play with one striker and the spaces are tight, that wouldn't suit him. At Union, they play long balls and make use of his physicality. This allows him to fully utilize his strengths."

Roelofsen does not mean any harm when he refers to the style as "kick and rush" - it is a tactic that has unsettled the entire Bundesliga. Union strategically defend deep, absorb pressure, and then quickly launch counter-attacks or deliver precise crosses into the penalty box. This approach has proven overwhelming for many opponents.

"They are one of the few clubs where this style can be effective, and it is a perfect match because Kevin simply wants to enjoy himself. Don't expect too much tactical discussion from him. I don't believe he often has a specific plan, but his physicality and enthusiasm make up for it. Just let him be."

'There is more to Kevin Behrens'

Sweetman acknowledges the importance of finding a coach who appreciates his exceptional abilities and the requirements of the Union Crowd. The team successfully discovered a player who perfectly aligns with their system and fulfills the expectations of the fans. Union comprises a dedicated group of individuals who put in immense effort throughout the week, yearning for a player who consistently gives their all every single weekend.

Behrens, despite giving his all to maximize his capabilities, had to accept a limited role during his debut season in the Bundesliga. Out of his 24 appearances, 22 were as a substitute, resulting in him scoring twice. However, his performance in the previous season was a stark contrast.

In October, his goal to equalize against Borussia Monchengladbach left a lasting impression. Sweetman recounts, "It was a header, and the goalkeeper inadvertently hit him in the head." Behrens, as always, shrugged it off without hesitation. Even with a visible bruise, he seemed unaffected."

Image:

Behrens bravely heads the ball, but endures a fierce blow from Borussia Monchengladbach in the process.

While the aforementioned incident may have been a testament to his devotion to the fans and a means to further solidify his reputation, it was his triumph at Werder Bremen in January that truly held personal significance. Having been raised there, it was evident how much the victory meant to him. With his parents present in the stands, the match became a pivotal moment that marked a turning point in his career.

Behrens showcased his skills and scored goals in matches against Wolfsburg and Stuttgart, as well as Eintracht Frankfurt and Freiburg. His progress was supported by Markus Hoffmann, Fischer's assistant and a former striker in lower leagues. Throughout it all, Behrens remained a true talisman.

He continues to bring joy to Union as an unexpected figure. Prior to the start of this season's first game, Behrens amusingly flicked his teammates on the back of their heads, serving as a playful annoyance.

He was questioned about his preferred vacation spot and promptly named Mallorca, specifically Ballermann, the infamous German tourist bar. And when it comes to his culinary preference? A mouthwatering foot-long bratwurst. Behrens fearlessly embraces this caricature, embodying the archetype of that kind of geezer—no nonsense, all authenticity. "He is that kind of geezer. No bull."

Image:

Behrens is a popular figure with his Union Berlin team-mates

However, Sweetman firmly believes that this outgoing persona does not depict the complete picture. "Despite always laughing and sticking his tongue out, I believe Kevin Behrens is more emotionally sensitive than he lets on," Sweetman comments. "I believe there is an aspect of his personality that goes unnoticed."

Sweetman vividly remembers the scene of Behrens supporting an injured Andras Schafer after their victory against Union Saint-Gilloise last season. "He was essentially carrying Schafer to the bus. Although there are no photographic evidence, it was an incredibly touching moment. It revealed a side of Kevin that remains hidden from the public eye."

Real Madrid's worst nightmare?

The reason behind Behrens' popularity among both his teammates and supporters is explained. "He is adored by everyone. This is because he is just an ordinary guy. I believe he is truly remarkable," states Roelofsen. "He is modest and down-to-earth, and that's why people love him."

Later this month, Behrens will be part of the Union squad that will travel to the Bernabeu for a match that still feels unbelievable even now. Just four years ago, the club had not yet made an appearance in the Bundesliga, let alone competed in European tournaments.

Now, they confront the club that holds the utmost reputation.

The esteemed elites of Real Madrid will find themselves not only on familiar ground, but also surrounded by Union, who are equally at ease with their status as outsiders. Among their team members, there lies a powerful center-forward, hailing from the regional leagues, determined to make a statement.

He couldn't, could he? "The most incredible thing is that it is not impossible," says Sweetman.

That is the lesson of the Kevin Behrens story.