1. FC Heidenheim

1. FC Heidenheim is a German club that reached the Bundesliga for the first time in its history in the 2023-24 season, becoming one of the most recent examples of rise in German football.

History

With roots dating back to a sports association founded in 1846, 1. FC Heidenheim spent most of its existence competing in regional competitions and the lower divisions of German football. The professional football section gained momentum from the 2000s onwards. Under the command of coach Frank Schmidt, who remained at the club for over a decade, Heidenheim progressively rose through the divisions until reaching the 2. Bundesliga, where it established itself as a competitive team. In 2023, the club achieved unprecedented promotion to the Bundesliga, the first division of German football, finishing the 2. Bundesliga in second place. The historic campaign put the small city of Heidenheim on the map of German elite football. Since then, the club has competed in the Bundesliga, being recognized for its organization, tactical discipline and identity built over the years with few financial resources compared to the country's major clubs.