Akpoguma extends until 2024

"Akpo is an extremely determined footballer who has developed into a reliable Bundesliga player as a result of his time with the U23 squad and his two spells out on loan. He has a strong character, a clear head and an outstanding mentality," says Alexander Rosen. Akpoguma embodies the modern defender, with incredible athleticism. "His extension is a clear commitment to TSG and its journey," says Rosen. 

"I have always emphasised the fact that I find Hoffenheim to be the perfect environment for me and I am therefore grateful for the trust placed in me," affirms Akpoguma.

The defender received nationwide attention after a dramatic accident in April 2017. During the second division game against FC St. Pauli, Kevin Akpoguma, who was out on loan to Fortuna Düsseldorf from 2015 to 2017, had an unlucky collision with an opponent and suffered a Jefferson fracture (fracture of the first cervical vertebrae). "It did not look good at first. The doctors didn't know whether the vertebra would grow back together again, it was completely fractured; it was a close shave," says Akpoguma, who completed his rehabilitation at TSG and returned to the training ground after only 86 days. At the time he said, "It was a small miracle, I am still grateful to TSG and all the staff who supported me." On 22 October 2017 he made his Bundesliga debut against VfL Wolfsburg. 

In the meantime, the defender, born in Neustadt an der Weinstraße, can reflect on his 40 Bundesliga appearances, two Champions League games and a DFB Cup match for TSG. In July 2013, he moved from Karlsruhe to TSG and shortly afterwards was awarded the Fritz Walter Gold Medal in the U18 age bracket. After a two-year loan to the then second-league club Fortuna Düsseldorf, the central defender returned to Hoffenheim in 2017. In the second half of 2019, the centre-back was then sent out on loan to Hannover 96 to get game time.

"We have found that preparing young, promising talents for the Bundesliga in this way has proven to be a success and has also given Kevin the know-how to deal with the challenges faced in the senior team," says Rosen.