Team

Schonlau joins Vancouver Whitecaps

The long-serving defender and former captain has signed for the Canadian MLS side with immediate effect. Stefan Kuntz: “Bascho achieved extraordinary things for HSV. Our door will always be open to him.”

Hamburger SV and Sebastian Schonlau have parted ways after four unforgettable years together. The 31-year-old centre-back, who captained the Rothosen over the past four seasons and made 115 competitive appearances, has joined MLS club Vancouver Whitecaps with immediate effect.

“Bascho has an exciting new challenge ahead of him. We’re delighted for him that he’s able to take on this opportunity,” commented board member for sport Stefan Kuntz. “We want to sincerely thank him for his contribution to HSV. He really achieved extraordinary things here. He leaves us through the front door – and that door will always remain open to him.”

Director of football Claus Costa also had high praise for the long-time skipper: “Bascho took on major responsibility straight after joining HSV when he was made captain. The way he carried out that role and represented the club was both outstanding and inspiring. He was always an important point of contact for me. Bascho lived the role every second, led by example on and off the pitch, and always remained authentic. We wish him nothing but the best for the future and he’ll always be welcome back at the Volkspark.”

An outstanding HSV servant

Schonlau joined HSV from SC Paderborn for the 2021/22 season and immediately became the club’s 31st captain. The Warburg native embodied the ideal of a leader – a model professional who led by example and knew how to rally everyone around HSV. He earned enormous respect from coaches, teammates, staff and employees alike. Even after the bitter setbacks of two failed promotion play-offs, Schonlau lifted the team again. He repeatedly pushed himself to his physical limits in pursuit of promotion, battling a persistent calf injury in his third season. And last year, when he lost his regular starting spot in the second half of the campaign after three-and-a-half years as a permanent fixture in the side, he demonstrated true team spirit by fully putting the team’s needs ahead of his own.

Head coach Merlin Polzin added: “Without Bascho, we would never have been promoted. What he did for the team behind the scenes – even when he wasn’t playing as much – was incredible and went beyond the duties of a captain. He was always there for the boys and for the club. We’ll be forever grateful.”

After an emotional chapter at HSV, Schonlau now embarks on a new footballing adventure in Canada. With Vancouver Whitecaps, currently third in the Western Conference, he joins a side that also features World Cup winner Thomas Müller, who recently made his debut for the club.

Captain. Team player. Role model. Thank you, Bascho – for four years of passion, commitment and heart with the Rothosen.