Maxim Leitsch

Anchoring the heart of Mainz's defence, 27-year-old German centre-back Maxim Leitsch finds himself in the thick of a Bundesliga survival battle. With Die Nullfünfer sitting 14th in the table, every point matters—and Leitsch's role has never been more crucial. Mainz's recent form of LWWWL tells a story of resilience: three wins followed by a setback, reflecting the rollercoaster of a club fighting to stay above the drop zone. Valued at €1.5m, Leitsch may not grab headlines like some of his more celebrated defensive peers, but his partnership with Stefan Posch forms the foundation upon which Mainz build their survival hopes. At 27, the German defender is in his prime years, bringing composure and physicality to a backline that must remain resolute if Mainz are to navigate another season in Germany's top flight. With Robin Zentner behind him and attacking threats like Silas and Sheraldo Becker ahead, Leitsch is the quiet enforcer in a team scrapping for every point.