Anthony Caci

At 28, Anthony Caci has established himself as a reliable presence in Mainz's backline, bringing French finesse to the Bundesliga. With Mainz sitting 14th in the table, the right-back finds himself in the thick of a relegation battle—though recent form suggests resilience. A three-game winning run (LWWWL) showed what this squad is capable of before last weekend's setback. Valued at €10m, Caci represents the kind of dependable, all-action defender Mainz have built their identity around. While the stats sheet may not glitter with goals, his partnership with centre-back Stefan Posch provides the defensive foundation that allows the likes of Sheraldo Becker and Silas to flourish further forward. In a league where fine margins define survival, Caci's consistency could prove the difference between safety and the drop. The Frenchman's versatility and work rate embody the fighting spirit Mainz will need as they look to climb clear of danger—every tackle, every interception carrying the weight of a season that hangs in the balance.