Patson Daka Becomes the forth Zambian to Play in the Bundesliga League
Zambia international Patson Daka has officially begun a new chapter in his career after completing a free transfer to German club Hamburger SV following the expiration of his contract with Leicester City.
The 27-year-old striker has signed a one-year contract, with an option to extend his stay for an additional season as he prepares for the 2026/27 Bundesliga campaign.
Daka arrives in Germany after spending five years at Leicester City, where he scored 29 goals in 165 appearances across all competitions. During his time in England, he helped the Foxes win the FA Community Shield and the EFL Championship, while also setting a club record by scoring six goals in European competitions.
Now back in Germany, Daka will be hoping to rediscover his best goalscoring form and make an immediate impact for Hamburger SV following their return to the Bundesliga.
Following Zambia’s Bundesliga Trailblazers
By joining Hamburger SV, Daka becomes the latest Zambian to feature in Germany’s top flight, following a proud tradition established by some of the country’s greatest footballers.
Andrew Sinkala
Andrew Sinkala became the first Zambian to play in the Bundesliga when he made his debut for Bayern Munich in December 1999 under legendary coach Ottmar Hitzfeld.
Although opportunities at Bayern were limited, Sinkala went on to enjoy successful spells with 1. FC Köln and FC Augsburg, making 49 Bundesliga appearances and scoring three goals during his career.
Moses Sichone
Former Nchanga Rangers defender Moses Sichone also made history after joining 1. FC Köln in 1999.
Sichone established himself as one of Zambia’s most successful defenders abroad, featuring 83 Bundesliga matches for Köln and Alemannia Aachen—the highest number of Bundesliga appearances by any Zambian player to date. He also scored once in Germany’s top division.
Christopher Katongo
In 2008, Christopher Katongo became Zambia’s most expensive footballer at the time when Arminia Bielefeld signed him from Danish side Brøndby IF.
Katongo enjoyed a memorable Bundesliga campaign, playing 33 league matches and scoring three goals, matching Andrew Sinkala as Zambia’s joint-highest goalscorer in Bundesliga history.
A New Chapter for Daka
With his pace, finishing ability and international experience, Patson Daka now has the opportunity to write his own chapter in Zambia’s football history.
The striker will not only be aiming to help Hamburger SV establish themselves back in the Bundesliga but also to surpass the scoring records set by his fellow countrymen.
As one of Zambia’s biggest football exports, expectations will be high, but so too is the excitement surrounding his return to German football.
All eyes will now be on Daka as he looks to make his mark in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.
