Waldemar Anton

Waldemar Anton (Uzbek: Valdemar Anton, Russian: Вальдемар Антон; born 20 July 1996 as Vladimir Anton, in German transcription Wladimir Anton) is an Uzbek-born German professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund and the Germany national team.

Club career

Hannover 96 II

Anton played eleven matches for Hannover 96 II and scored one goal. Since Hannover 96 were in relegation, Anton and Mike-Steven Bähre were signed to professional contracts to help the club.

Hannover 96

During the 2015–16 season, Anton made two appearances for Hannover 96, playing in a 2–1 win against VfB Stuttgart on 27 February 2016 and a 1–0 loss against Eintracht Frankfurt on 19 March 2016. His first Bundesliga goal was against Borussia Mönchengladbach on 15 April 2016.

VfB Stuttgart

On 28 July 2020, Anton transferred to VfB Stuttgart on a four-year deal. On 5 November 2021, he extended his contract until 2025.

Anton became the team captain of VfB Stuttgart in August 2023 and extended his contract until 2027 on 14 January 2024.

Borussia Dortmund

On 8 July 2024, Anton joined fellow Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund, signing a four-year contract, for a reported transfer fee of €22.5m. On 8 February 2025, Anton scored an own goal for his former club.

International career

Anton was eligible to play for Germany, Russia and Uzbekistan. He was a youth international for Germany. He won the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2017 and was a runner-up in 2019.

In March 2024, he was called up for the Germany national team ahead of the friendly matches against France and the Netherlands. He made his debut on 23 March 2024 against France.

Anton was named in Germany's squad for UEFA Euro 2024.

Personal life

Anton was born in Olmaliq, Uzbekistan to Russia German parents and moved to Germany at the age of two, his father is from Ekaterinburg, Russia, and his mother is Volga German.