Serie: Topps Match Attax 2024/2025
Type: Basic
Number: 230
Benjamin Paa Kwesi Henrichs, born on 23 February 1997, is a German professional footballer known for his versatility as a full-back and midfielder. Currently, he plies his trade at Bundesliga club RB Leipzig and represents the Germany national team.
Henrichs’ football journey began at the tender age of seven when he joined the Bayer Leverkusen academy. His talent quickly shone through, and he eventually captained the under-19 team. In 2015, after years of hard work and dedication, he was promoted to the senior side. He made his Bundesliga debut on 20 September of that year, coming on as a second-half substitute for Karim Bellarabi in a match against Borussia Dortmund, although the team lost 3-0. The following season, Henrichs became a regular in the squad, amassing 29 appearances and solidifying his place in the team. Over the years, he made over 80 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen across all competitions before signing with Ligue 1 side AS Monaco in August 2018.
Henrichs’ time at Monaco began on 28 August 2018, with a five-year contract. Just two months later, on 27 October, he scored his first goal for the club in a 2-2 draw against Dijon, marking a memorable moment in his career.
On 8 July 2020, Henrichs embarked on a new adventure by joining RB Leipzig on a season-long loan. The deal included an option to buy for €15 million at the end of the season. By 12 April 2021, Leipzig had seen enough to make the move permanent, activating the buyout option and securing Henrichs’ services until 2025. Later that year, on 11 December, he scored his first Bundesliga goal in stoppage time during a 4-1 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach.
In May 2024, Henrichs extended his contract with RB Leipzig until 2028, cementing his commitment to the club. However, his season took an unfortunate turn when he sustained a torn Achilles tendon on 20 December in a match against Bayern Munich, sidelining him for the remainder of the season.
Internationally, Henrichs had the choice to represent either Germany or Ghana, thanks to his German father and Ghanaian mother. In a 2017 interview, he revealed that Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien was his childhood idol, but he ultimately chose to represent Germany, as they were the first to approach him during his teenage years.
Henrichs’ international career began on 4 November 2016, when he received his first call-up to the Germany national team by manager Joachim Löw for a World Cup qualifier against San Marino and a friendly match against Italy. He made his debut seven days later in an 8-0 victory over San Marino. The following year, he was part of the squad that won the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, making two appearances in the tournament. Despite this success, he was later excluded from Germany’s World Cup squad.
In 2024, Henrichs was named in Germany’s squad for UEFA Euro 2024, further solidifying his place in the national team setup. His journey continues, marked by his resilience, dedication, and remarkable versatility on the field.
