Daniel Adlung (born 1 October 1987) is a German footballer who plays as a midfielder for Greuther Fürth II.
Born in Fürth, West Germany, Adlung began his football career at SV Hiltpoltstein, joining the club when he was seven years old. When Adlung was nine years old, he moved to 1. FC Nürnberg. Every two years, Adlung shuttled back and forth between Greuther Fürth and 1. FC Nürnberg before sticking with Greuther Fürth, where he started his professional football career there. Adlung progressed through the ranks of the club's youth system.
Adlung made his Greuther Fürth debut, coming on as a 78th-minute substitute, in a 1âÂÂ0 win against Alemannia Aachen on 30 September 2005. He then found himself rotated at playing between the club's first team and the second team. After three months away from the first team, Adlung made his return to the first team against Rot Weiss Ahlen on 2 December 2005, coming on as a 70th-minute substitute, in a 1âÂÂ0 win. He then set up Greuther Fürth's first goal of the game, in a 2âÂÂ0 win against Kickers Offenbach on 29 January 2006. At the end of the 2005âÂÂ06 season, Adlung made seventeen appearances in all competitions.
At the start of the 2006âÂÂ07 season, Adlung found himself involved in the first team, alternating between a starting and a substitute role. He then set up the club's second goal of the game, in a 3âÂÂ0 win against Erzgebirge Aue on 17 September 2006. It wasn't until on 13 November 2006 when Adlung scored his first goal of the season, in a 2âÂÂ2 draw against 1. FC Kaiserslautern. His second goal came on 21 January 2007 against 1860 München and then setting up Greuther Fürth's second goal of the game, in a 3âÂÂ0 win. Two months later on 2 March 2007, he scored his third goal of the season, in a 2âÂÂ1 win against FC Augsburg. By the second half of the season, Adlung began playing in unfamiliar rightâÂÂback position, as well as, rotating in playing the defensive midfield position. He then regained his first team place for the rest of the 2006âÂÂ07 season. Despite being plagued with injuries, Adlung went on to make thirtyâÂÂone appearances and scoring three times in all competitions.
At the start of the 2007âÂÂ08 season, Adlung appeared six matches in the first two months of the season before missing one match due to a toe injury. He then returned to the first team from injury, coming on as a 72nd-minute substitute, in a 2âÂÂ2 draw against Carl Zeiss Jena on 30 September 2007. Following his return, Adlung then set up the club's first goal of the game for Asen Karaslavov, who went to score twice, in a 3âÂÂ0 win against 1860 München. However, he suffered a knee injury while training and didn't play for a month. It wasn't until on 16 December 2007 when Adlung returned to the starting lineâÂÂup against Hoffenheim and scored his first goal of the season, as well as, setting up Greuther Fürth's third goal of the game, in a 4âÂÂ1 win. He followed up by setting up two goals against Erzgebirge Aue and Mainz. Since returning from injury, Adlung continued to regain as a first team regular for Greuther Fürth, rotating in the left or right midfield positions. At the end of the 2007âÂÂ08 season, he went on to make thirty appearances and scoring two times in all competitions.
With his contract at Greuther Fürth expire at the end of the 2007âÂÂ08 season, Adlung was expected to leave after being linked a move away, with clubs, such as, VfL Wolfsburg and Hansa Rostock were interested in signing him. It was announced on 11 May 2008 that he would be joining VfL Wolfsburg.
Adlung made his Wolfsburg debut, coming on as a second-half substitute, in a 7âÂÂ0 win against FC Oberneuland in the second round of the DFBâÂÂPokal. However, he found himself playing for the club's reserve side instead of the first team. Despite this, Adlung was part of Wolfsburg's squad that won the league, saying: "Of course we celebrated a lot. My family was very happy for me. And even if I haven't got too many assignments yet, it has been a good experience for me that will certainly help me in my career."
It was announced on 5 August 2009 that Adlung was loaned out to Alemannia Aachen for the 2009âÂÂ10 season and was given a number 24 shirt. It came after when he was told by Wolfsburg that he needs to be loaned out to get first team football.
Adlung made his Alemannia Aachen debut, starting a match and played 45 minutes before being substituted, in a 5âÂÂ0 loss against St. Pauli on 17 August 2009. However, his first three months at the club saw him placed on the substitute bench. He then regained his place in the first team for Alemannia Aachen. In a match against his former club, Greuther Fürth on 7 December 2009, Adlung set up the club's first goal of the game, in a 2âÂÂ0 win. It wasn't until on 15 January 2010 when he scored his first goal for Alemannia Aachen, in a 3âÂÂ1 win against Karlsruher SC. Adlung then set up a goal for Benjamin Auer, who scored twice for the club, in a 2âÂÂ1 win against Arminia Bielefeld on 12 March 2010. His second goal for Alemannia Aachen came on 28 March 2010, as well as, setting up the club's third goal of the game, in a 4âÂÂ0 win against FC Augsburg. At the end of the 2009âÂÂ10 season, he went on to make twentyâÂÂfive appearances in all competitions. Following this, Adlung returned to his parent club.
On 3 August 2010, Adlung joined Energie Cottbus for a transfer fee of 180,000 euros, signing a threeâÂÂyear contract.
He made his Energie Cottbus debut, starting a match and set up the club's second goal of the game, in a 2âÂÂ1 win against TuS Heeslingen in the first round of the DFB-Pokal. Since making his debut for Energie Cottbus, Adlung quickly established himself in the starting eleven, playing in the leftâÂÂmidfield position. He then set up the club's first goal of the game, in a 5âÂÂ5 draw against Karlsruher SC on 13 September 2010. His first goal for Energie Cottbus came on 17 October 2010, scoring the club's first goal of the game, in a 3âÂÂ1 win against Paderborn. Two weeks later on 31 October 2010, Adlung scored his second goal for Energie Cottbus, in a 2âÂÂ1 win against VfL Bochum. However, he was sidelined for the rest of 2010, due to suspension for picking five yellow cards, followed up by injuries. It wasn't until on 15 January 2011 when Adlung returned to the starting lineâÂÂup against Fortuna Düsseldorf, as the club lost 3âÂÂ1. A month later on 21 February 2011, he scored his third goal of the season, in a 2âÂÂ2 draw against Hertha BSC. Two months later on 21 April 2011, Adlung scored his fourth goal of the season, in a 2âÂÂ1 win against Erzgebirge Aue. Since returning to the first team from injury, he continued to regain his first team place in the starting lineâÂÂup for the rest of the 2010âÂÂ11 season. Despite missing two more matches later in the season, Adlung made thirtyâÂÂtwo appearances and scoring four times in all competitions.
In the opening game of the 2011âÂÂ12 season against Dynamo Dresden, Adlung scored his first goal of the season, in a 2âÂÂ1 win. In a followâÂÂup match against MSV Duisburg, he set up Energie Cottbusâ second goal of the game, in a 2âÂÂ1 win. Adlung then scored his second goal of the season, as well as, setting up the club's first goal of the game, in a 3âÂÂ3 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt on 10 September 2011. However, he suffered injuries on two occasions that kept him out for several weeks. It wasn't until on 16 October 2011 when Adlung returned to the first team, coming on as a 79th-minute substitute, in a 1âÂÂ0 win against FSV Frankfurt. Since returning from injury, he started in the next six matches, including setting up a goal, in a 2âÂÂ1 loss against Dynamo Dresden on 11 December 2011, before serving a one match suspension for picking up five yellow cards. After returning to the first team from suspension, Adlung then captained Energie Cottbus for the first time against Karlsruher SC on 17 February 2012 and helped the club lose 2âÂÂ0. In a match against Eintracht Frankfurt on 4 March 2012, he was sentâÂÂoff for a second bookable offence, in a 1âÂÂ0 loss. In the last game of the season against Union Berlin, Adlung scored his third goal of the season, in a 2âÂÂ1 win, as the result saw the club successfully avoid relegation. Despite the setback he received during the 2011âÂÂ12 season, Adlung remained as the club's first team regular, playing in the midfield position. As a result, he went on to make thirty appearances and scoring three times in all competitions.
At the start of the 2012âÂÂ13 season, Adlung scored a brace for Energie Cottbus, as the club won 3âÂÂ0 against Erzgebirge Aue on 10 August 2012. He then set up two goals in two matches between 14 September 2012 and 22 September 2012 against FSV Frankfurt and Jahn Regensburg. In a match against Union Berlin on 29 September 2012, Adlung scored his second goal of the season, but received a straight red card in the 76th minute for insulting the assistant referee. Following this, he served a two match suspension. Up until his sending off, Adlung started in the first eight league matches of the season. After serving a two match suspension, he returned to the starting lineâÂÂup against 1860 München on 26 October 2012 and helped the club win 1âÂÂ0. This was followed up by setting up two goals in two matches between 4 November 2012 and 11 November 2012 against Bochum and Dynamo Dresden. Adlung continued to start in the next six matches, including setting up a goal, in a 1âÂÂ1 draw against FC Ingolstadt 04 on 9 December 2012, before being sentâÂÂoff for a straight red card in the 88th minute, losing 3âÂÂ0 against Erzgebirge Aue. After serving a three match suspension, he returned to the starting lineâÂÂup against Jahn Regensburg on 24 February 2013 and set up the equalising goal, in a 1âÂÂ1 draw. Two weeks later on 9 March 2013, Adlung played in the striker position for the first time (and did so again in a followâÂÂup), and scored his fourth goal of the season, in a 2âÂÂ1 win against Union Berlin. However, he found himself out of the first team and was demoted to the club's reserve side that saw him miss five matches. It wasn't until on 12 May 2013 when he returned to the first team, coming on as a 75th-minute substitute against SV Sandhausen and scored his fifth goal of the season, in a 3âÂÂ0 win. At the end of the 2012âÂÂ13 season, Adlung went on to make twentyâÂÂfive appearances and scoring five times in all competitions.
With his contract expected to expire at the end of the 2012âÂÂ13 season, Adlung confirmed his departure from Energie Cottbus. It was announced on 11 April 2013 that he signed for 1860 Munich on a threeâÂÂyear contract, keeping him until 2016.
Adlung made his 1860 München debut, starting the match and played 75 minutes before being substituted, in a 1âÂÂ1 draw against St. Pauli in the opening game of the season. In the first round of the DFBâÂÂPokal against 1. FC Heidenheim, he played 120 minutes following a 1âÂÂ1 draw and successfully converted the penalty in the shootout, as the club won 4âÂÂ3. Since making his debut for 1860 München, Adlung quickly became a first team regular, establishing himself in the midfield position. It wasn't until on 1 December 2013 when he scored his first goal for the club, in a 2âÂÂ1 win against VfL Bochum. Adlung then made his 200th league appearances of his career against Fortuna Düsseldorf, coming on as an 81st-minute substitute, in a 1âÂÂ1 draw on 10 February 2014. In a match against FC Erzgebirge Aue on 15 March 2014, he set up the equalising goal for Yuya Osako in the last minute of the game, to make it 2âÂÂ2. Two weeks later on 26 March 2014, Adlung scored his second goal of the season, in a 2âÂÂ1 win against Energie Cottbus. Since the start of the 2013âÂÂ14 season, he appeared in every match until missing one match after being suspended for picking up yellow cards. After serving a one match suspension, Adlung returned to the starting lineâÂÂup against Karlsruher SC on 6 April 2014, as 1860 München lost 3âÂÂ0. This was followed by scoring two goals in the next two matches against Dynamo Dresden and Arminia Bielefeld. At the end of the 2013âÂÂ14 season, he made thirtyâÂÂfive appearances and scoring four times in all competitions.
At the start of the 2014âÂÂ15 season, however, Adlung was suspended to the second squad along with his teammates Gábor Király, Vitus Eicher, Yannick Stark and captain Julian Weigl. While Király had assaulted Gary Kagelmacher during a match, the other four players had been out drinking late at night and were overheard talking negatively about the club. Shortly after, he apologised to 1860 München for his action and returned to training with the first team. However, Adlung suffered a back injury that kept him out for weeks. He returned to the first team from injury against SV Sandhausen on 23 September 2014, coming on as a 75th-minute substitute, in a 1âÂÂ0 loss. In a followâÂÂup match against Greuther Fürth, Adlung set up the club's first goal of the game, in a 2âÂÂ0 win. After the match, his performance was praised by Manager Markus von Ahlen, saying: "It wouldn't be fair to highlight any player. Adi played a strong game." It wasn't until on 2 November 2014 when he scored his first goal of the season, as well as, setting up 1860 München's two other goals, in a 3âÂÂ0 win against Bochum. Three weeks later on 22 November 2014, Adlung scored his second goal of the season, as well as setting up the club's fourth goal of the game, in a 4âÂÂ1 win. Since returning from suspension and injury, he continued to be a first team regular, playing in different midfield positions. Following the absence of Christopher Schindler, Adlung captained 1860 München for the first time against Karlsruher SC on 13 December 2014, as the club lost 3âÂÂ2. He went on to captain four times of next five matches for the club. His third goal of the season came on 13 March 2015 against Greuther Fürth, in a 3âÂÂ0 win. Adlung later scored two more goals for 1860 München later in the 2014âÂÂ15 season against Fortuna Düsseldorf and 1. FC Nürnberg. Despite this, the club finished sixteenth place in the 2. Bundesliga, resulting in them participating in the relegation play-offs against Holstein Kiel. He played in both legs in the relegation play-offs against Holstein Kiel and scored in the second leg, as 1860 München won 2âÂÂ1 on aggregate to retain its league place. At the end of the 2014âÂÂ15 season, Adlung made thirtyâÂÂfour appearances and scoring six times in all competitions.
In the opening game of the 2015âÂÂ16 season against 1. FC Heidenheim, Adlung suffered an injury and was substituted in the 63rd minute, as 1860 München lost 1âÂÂ0. But he made a quick recovery and returned to the starting lineâÂÂup against SC Freiburg on 1 August 2015, as the club lost 1âÂÂ0. Adlung then scored his first goal for the club, in a 2âÂÂ2 draw against 1. FC Nürnberg on 17 August 2015. Following this, he continued to establish himself in the first team, playing in different midfield positions. Adlung was also appointed as 1860 München's vice captain. He then provided a hatâÂÂtrick assists; two of were for Rubin Okotie, who scored a hatâÂÂtrick, in a 4âÂÂ4 draw against Paderborn on 28 November 2015. Since the start of the 2015âÂÂ16 season, Adlung started in every match until he suffered ankle injury during a 1âÂÂ1 draw against Bochum on 21 February 2016 and was substituted at half time. Following this, Adlung was sidelined for six weeks following an operation on his ankle. It wasn't until on 8 April 2016 when he returned to the first team, coming on as a 73rd-minute substitute, in a 1âÂÂ0 loss against Greuther Fürth. In a followâÂÂup match against MSV Duisburg, Adlung captained the club for the first time in the 2015âÂÂ16 season, as they lost 2âÂÂ1. Since returning from injury, he appeared in the last six matches of the season, as 1860 München successfully avoided relegation once again. At the end of the 2015âÂÂ16 season, Adlung went on to make thirtyâÂÂone appearances and scoring once in all competitions. Following this, his future at the club became uncertain as he yet to sign a contract. It was announced on 30 June 2016 that Adlung signed a contract extension with 1860 München, keeping him until 2018.
At the start of the 2016âÂÂ17 season, Adlung continued to establish himself in the first team, playing in different midfield positions. It wasn't until on 28 October 2016 when he scored his first goal of the season, coming on as an 85th-minute substitute, in a 6âÂÂ2 win against Erzgebirge Aue. However, by midâÂÂOctober, Adlung soon found his playing time, mostly coming from the substitute bench. But he did appear in the starting lineâÂÂup, appearing five times between 21 November 2016 and 3 February 2017. Following this, Adlung appeared on the substitute bench for the rest of the 2016âÂÂ17 season, as 1860 München were officially relegated after losing 3âÂÂ1 against Jahn Regensburg on aggregate. At the end of the 2016âÂÂ17 season, he went on to make seventeen appearances and scoring once in all competitions.
Following the club's relegation, Adlung was critical of the club's performance that saw him relegated. Although his contract expires at the end of the 2017âÂÂ18 season, he was allowed to leave 1860 München after being surplus of requirement. It was announced on 4 September 2017 that Adlung and the club agreed to terminate his contract, making him a free agent.
In September 2017, Adlung joined Adelaide United, signing a twoâÂÂyear contract.
Adlung made his Adelaide United debut, starting the whole game, in a 1âÂÂ1 draw against Wellington Phoenix in the opening game of the season. In a followâÂÂup match against Brisbane Roar, he set up the club's second goal of the game, in a 2âÂÂ1 win. Since making his debut for the club, Adlung quickly established himself in the starting eleven, playing in the midfield positions. He scored his first goal for Adelaide United in a 2âÂÂ1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers in the semi-final of the 2017 FFA Cup. A month later on 16 November 2017, Adlung scored his second goal of the season, in a 2âÂÂ1 win against Central Coast Mariners. Five days later on 21 November 2017, he started and played 120 minutes in the FFA Cup Final against Sydney FC, as the club lost 2âÂÂ1. However, in a match against Melbourne Victory on 8 December 2017, Adlung was sentâÂÂoff for a second bookable offence in the 82nd minute, in a 2âÂÂ1 win. After serving a one match suspension, he returned to the starting lineâÂÂup against Central Coast Mariners on 26 December 2017 and helped Adelaide United win 1âÂÂ0. During a 3âÂÂ0 win against Perth Glory on 5 January 2018, Adlung scored the club's first goal of the game before suffering a back injury that saw him substituted in the 41st minute. After recovering from a back injury that saw him miss one match, he continued to remain in the first team for the rest of the 2017âÂÂ18 season. Adlung then went on to score three more goals, including a brace against Newcastle Jets on 30 March 2018. At the end of the 2017âÂÂ18 season, he went on to make twentyâÂÂeight appearances and scoring six times in all competitions.
Following this, Adlung was released by Adelaide United in May 2018. It was later revealed that homesickness was the factor of his release.
Adlung returned to Germany and reâÂÂjoined Greuther Fürth as the club's player-assistant coach on 26 June 2018, assigning to play for the second team.
Adlung started well for SpVgg Greuther Fürth II, setting up two goals in the first two league matches. He started in a number of matches for the club since joining SpVgg Greuther Fürth II. It wasn't until on 17 November 2018 when Adlung scored his first goal for the second team, in a 2âÂÂ2 draw against Schalding-Heining. In a match against TSV 1860 Rosenheim on 23 March 2019, he received a straight red card for his unsportsmanlike conduct, as SpVgg Greuther Fürth II drew 1âÂÂ1. Despite serving a three match suspension, Adlung suffered a back injury that kept him out further. But Adlung returned to the starting lineâÂÂup against VfB Eichstätt on 4 May 2019 and played the whole game, as the second team drew 1âÂÂ1. At the end of the 2018âÂÂ19 season, he went on to make twentyâÂÂeight appearances and scoring once in all competitions for SpVgg Greuther Fürth II.
At the start of the 2019âÂÂ20 season, Adlung continued to start for SpVgg Greuther Fürth II. He contributed four assists in the first six matches of the season. It wasn't until on 7 September 2019 when Adlung scored his first goal of the season, in a 3âÂÂ1 loss against FV Illertissen. Adlung then scored his second goal of the season, in a 2âÂÂ0 win against TSV 1860 Rosenheim on 19 October 2019. However, the 2019âÂÂ20 season was interrupted and eventuality cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic. Up until the cancellation of the season, he started in every match, making twentyâÂÂthree appearances and scoring two times in all competitions for the second team.
Adlung made his Germany U17 debut on 20 October 2003 against Portugal U17, starting the whole game, as the U17 side lost 2âÂÂ0. He went on to make three appearances for Germany U17. In November 2004, Adlung was called up to the Germany U18 squad, making his debut for the U18 side, in a 2âÂÂ1 loss against Turkey U18 on 23 November 2004. He went on to make five appearances for the U18 side.
Adlung made his Germany U19 debut, starting a match against China U19, as they drew 1âÂÂ1 on 12 September 2005. He then scored his first Germany U19 goal, in a 6âÂÂ0 win against Cyprus U19 on 26 May 2006. Three months later, Adlung received a bronze medal for the Fritz-Walter-Medal. Adlung made nine appearances for the U19 side.
Adlung made his Germany U20 on 30 August 2006, starting the whole game, as the U20 side won 1âÂÂ0 against Switzerland U20. He went on to make four appearances for the U20 side. Adlung then made his Germany U21 debut, coming on as a 66th-minute substitute, in a 2âÂÂ0 win against Scotland U21 on 6 February 2007. Two years later, he was called up to the U21 squad for the 2009 UEFA Under-21 Championship. However, Adlung appeared as an unused substitute throughout the tournament, as Germany U21 won the tournament. Adlung went on to make five appearances for the U21 side.
Adlung has a sister and brother. His father, Herbert, was supportive of him playing football, having known the case, knowing that he "would one day make the step into the big football business". Adlung is a vegan after being given copies of the Attila Hildmann and Brendan Brazier books.
Adlung is married to his long-term girlfriend, Julia, and together, they have a daughter, Aviana Rose.
VfL Wolfsburg
Adelaide United
1. FC Schweinfurt 05
Germany U21