- VfB Stuttgart beats FC Bayern Munich 5 : 4 in the final and wins the Mercedes-Benz JuniorCup 2025
- Lauri Penna (VfB Stuttgart) is named player of the tournament
- Dylan „DullenMIKE“ Neuhausen wins the SK Gaming eJuniorCup 2025 – powered by Mercedes-Benz
- German national player Angelo Stiller inducted into the Hall of Fame
On 11 and 12 January 2025, the world’s greatest football talents met again at the Mercedes‑Benz JuniorCup at the Glaspalast Sindelfingen. In a spectacular final, VfB Stuttgart beat FC Bayern Munich 5 : 4 in overtime to win the 33rd edition of the renowned tournament – and thus defending their title. Third place went to 1. FC Heidenheim. Lauri Penna (VfB Stuttgart) was voted best player of the tournament, with Leon Klanac (FC Bayern Munich) being honoured as the best goalkeeper.
The results of the Mercedes-Benz JuniorCup 2025:
Match for 7th place: Manchester United : Sao Paulo FC 5 : 4 (after penalties)
Match for 5th place: Glasgow Rangers : Servette FC Genf 2 : 1
Match for 3rd place: 1. FC Heidenheim : Borussia Mönchengladbach 14 : 13 (after penalties)
Final: VfB Stuttgart : FC Bayern Munich 5 : 4 (in overtime)
“I am always thrilled to see the greatest football talents at the Mercedes-Benz JuniorCup. Exciting matches at the highest level and the family atmosphere make this international youth tournament so special.”
Cacau, former German national player and patron of the Mercedes-Benz JuniorCup
As part of the tournament, Mercedes-Benz honoured VfB Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller as the latest member of the JuniorCup Hall of Fame. Stiller took part in the tournament as a youth player for FC Bayern Munich before making his breakthrough as a professional. He made his debut for the German national team in October 2024.
In the parallel apprentice tournament, teams of a total of nine Mercedes-Benz factories took part. The Sindelfingen, Rastatt, Bremen, Berlin/Ludwigsfelde, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Germersheim and Untertürkheim plants as well as the headquarters team participated with teams consisting exclusively of apprentices. Plant Bremen defeated plant Sindelfingen in the final 5 : 4 after penalty shoot-out. Plant Rastatt won the match for third place.
This year’s SK Gaming eJuniorCup – powered by Mercedes-Benz once again saw exciting virtual matches courtside of the artificial football field. After hard-fought games, Dylan “DullenMIKE” Neuhausen was able to secure the title. In addition to esports professionals, Mercedes-Benz apprentices and influencers also took part in the tournament. Further, esports fans from all over the world were able to qualify for the eJuniorCup.
In addition to the eJuniorCup, Mercedes-Benz presented a unique in-car gaming experience for visitors. Thanks to a cooperation with gaming platform Boosteroid, over 1,000 of the most popular video games can be played in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including many triple-A-titles.
“The Mercedes-Benz JuniorCup stands for tradition and innovation and provides a stage for young talents – on the pitch and in the digital world. Every year, we unite fans, athletes, and sports enthusiasts from all over the world at the Glaspalast in Sindelfingen and bring the passion for sport to life.“
Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Marketing & Sale
