Who is Yann Bisseck? | OneFootball

Yann Bisseck: Who is the new Germany defender currently starring for Inter Milan?

Inter Milan's Yann Bisseck has just received his first Germany call-up by Julian Nagelsmann, but what else is there to know about the Cologne-raised defender? bundesliga.com finds out...

Stats correct as of 13 March 2025

Yann BisseckAge: 24 (born 29 November 2000)Club: Inter MilanPosition: Central defenderCountry: Germany (eight caps for U21s)

Key stats

Born the same year as Gladiator hit cinemas (how does that make you feel?) Bisseck came through the ranks at local club Cologne before making his Bundesliga debut against Hertha Berlin in November 2017, at the age of 16 years and 28 days. In doing so, the defender became the youngest player in Cologne’s history and the youngest-ever German to appear in the Bundesliga at the time. The former remains a record to this day. He made two further first-team appearances that season as the Billy Goats were relegated to Bundesliga 2.

Despite those early milestones, Bisseck found opportunities limited at the RheinEnergieStadion and was sent out on loan several times. In January 2019, he joined then second-tier Holstein Kiel, where he made three first-team appearances, before spells at Dutch outfit Roda JC and Vitória de Guimarães in Portugal.

Bundesliga fans of a certain age may remember Bisseck from his time at Cologne. (imago/mika)

It was at Aarhus in Denmark where Bisseck’s career took a drastic leap forward, however. After initially impressing on loan during the 2021/22 season, the Superliga side made the move permanent in July 2022. An impressive second season in Denmark – during which Bisseck made 35 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals – Europe’s elite clubs began circling. It was Italian giants Inter that sealed the deal, however, snapping up the starlet in July 2023.

Bisseck made his Serie A and UEFA Champions League debuts shortly afterwards, during a maiden season which saw Inter win the Supercoppa Italia and the Scudetto. Bisseck played his part in the latter success, featuring in 16 games and scoring twice – including the winner at Bologna in March 2024. He’s been even more involved this campaign, making 29 appearances in all competitions for the Italian league leaders. Those performances, coupled with consistent showings across Germany's various age groups (up to U21 level), prompted Nagelsmann to include the 24-year-old in his latest senior Germany squad, where Bisseck will hope to leave his mark.

Plays a bit like: Micky van de Ven

Much like former Wolfsburg central defender Van de Ven – now plying his trade in the English Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur – Bisseck is known for his recovery pace and ability to carry the ball forward out of defence and join attacks. He’s comfortable in possession and prefers to pick short, safe passes as opposed to pinging long diagonals. Given Inter’s preference for playing a back-three system, Bisseck may need some time to adapt to the Germany set up. The national team have tended to adopt a back-four formation in recent games under Nagelsmann. Bisseck’s speed could be a valuable asset should a high line be implemented.

Did you know?

Bisseck's nickname at Inter Milan is 'Biz', an abbreviation of the word business. It's a sign of the young defender's huge ambition. What's more, if he hadn't become a footballer, he would probably have been a cardiologist. Bisseck had even started to study to become a doctor before becoming a professional player at 16. Brains and footballing ability – some people get all the luck.

What they're saying

“Bisseck’s team-mates are helping him a lot, but he’s also making a name for himself with the way he's playing. My technical staff and I have faith in him. He must continue to work in this way.” - Bisseck's Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi

"I remember my first weeks here. It was tough to learn the tactics and everything. As a defender, it’s a big, big learning experience in Italy, and I think I’ve had a good time here—maybe better than most people expected. So I am just happy with the way I can contribute to the team, and I am always happy when the coach gives me the chance to play.” - Bisseck on his time at Inter Milan

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