Franz Valentin Stolz (born 14 February 2001) is an Austrian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Austrian Bundesliga club Grazer AK, on loan from club Genoa.
Stolz is a native of Oberaich, Austria.
Stolz started his professional career with Austrian club Kapfenberger SV, progressing from the youth setup into the senior squad. He made his debut in the Austrian 2. Liga in a 3âÂÂ0 defeat against SKU Amstetten on 27 July 2018. He spent several seasons in Austria's second tier, establishing himself as a reliable goalkeeper.
In July 2021, Stolz moved to SKN St. Pölten on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract. He became the firstâÂÂchoice goalkeeper and accumulated numerous league appearances over three seasons, competing in the Austrian 2. Liga and contributing to the team's defensive strength.
On 27 January 2024, Stolz signed with Genoa CFC of the Italian Serie A, marking a step up to one of Europe's topâÂÂflight leagues. The club announced his arrival as a new signing for their Primavera (U-19) squad with an option for the first team. Despite the highâÂÂprofile move, he did not make a firstâÂÂteam appearance for Genoa before being loaned out to gain more playing time.
In January 2025, Genoa loaned Stolz to Romanian Liga I side FC Rapid BucureÃÂti for the remainder of the season. He featured regularly during his loan spell, making multiple appearances in SuperLiga matches and recording several clean sheets, including in a 2âÂÂ0 victory over FCV Farul ConstanÃÂa.
In early January 2026, Stolz's loan with Rapid concluded and he was subsequently loaned to Austrian club Grazer AK for the remainder of the 2025âÂÂ26 season. The move marked his return to his home country to continue his development and strengthen Grazer's goalkeeping department.