Mats Hummels

Mats Julian Hummels (German pronunciation: [ˈmats ˈhʊməls]; born 16 December 1988) is a German footballer who plays as a central defender for Borussia Dortmund, for which he is the current captain, and the German national team.

He came through the Bayern Munich youth academy before joining his current club on loan in January 2008, and he officially signed for Dortmund in February 2009 for €4 million. His honours at the club include two league titles and finishing as runner up in the 2012-13 UEFA Champions League.

Hummels has been a full international since 2010, earning over 30 caps and representing Germany at the UEFA Euro 2012 and the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Hummels is a product of Bayern Munich's youth academy, first entering the club as a six-year-old. He signed his first professional contract on 19 December 2006, until 2010. On 19 May 2007, in the season's final match, he played his firstBundesliga match with the first team in a 5–2 home routing of 1. FSV Mainz 05.

In January 2008, Hummels joined Borussia Dortmund, initially on loan. During his first full season, he quickly established himself as first-choice, as he often partnered newly signed Neven Subotić, but also missed a great part of its final months due to injury. In February 2009, he was fully signed to the club^[3] for a fee of €4 million.^[4]

The 2010–11 season brought increased success for Hummels. He was the regular first-choice center-back, again paired with Subotić. The duo helped Dortmund to the best defensive record in the Bundesliga, as the team won the league title. Hummels' performances that season displayed great quality in tackling, positioning, and composure. He has attracted praise from pundits and coaches alike, and he is considered one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga, and in Europe.

Hummels won the Bundesliga for a second time in 2011–12 as Borussia set a Bundesliga record with the most points in a Bundesliga season with 81 points. Hummels scored a goal in Borussia's 5–2 win against Bayern in the 2012 DFB-Pokal Final as the team completed the league and cup double. On 3 June 2012, Hummels signed a new contract that will keep him at Dortmund until the summer of 2017.^[5]

On 25 May 2013, Hummels was in the Borussia Dortmund line-up that was defeated 2–1 by Bayern Munich at Wembley Stadium, London, in the 2013 UEFA Champions League Final.^[6]

On 27 July 2013, Hummels was in the Borussia Dortmund line-up that won 4–2 against Bayern Munich at BVB's Signal Iduna Park,Dortmund, in the 2013 DFL-Supercup.^[7]