- by Masivuye Mzimkhulu
- on 30 Jul, 2025
Eintracht Frankfurt Returns to Louisville After Record-Breaking Bundesliga Finish
Big things are happening in Louisville this summer, and it has a lot to do with one of Germany’s top football clubs. Eintracht Frankfurt, no stranger to European soccer fans, is back in town for their preseason camp—right after one of their most memorable Bundesliga seasons in decades. They clinched third place last season, a finish that catapulted them into the Champions League and marked their highest league placement since the early 1990s. That’s not just good; it’s historic.
So, why Louisville for the second straight year? The answer is a mix of good logistics, first-class facilities, and the kind of welcome that left a real impression on the squad during their last visit. The Lynn Family Sports Vision & Training Center offers everything a pro club could ask for. According to goalkeeper Kevin Trapp, the pitches here rival those back in Germany—even if the Kentucky heat presents a challenge he’s not used to.
Big Matches, Big Ambitions, and a Warm Welcome
This summer’s trip isn’t just about sweating it out in practice. Frankfurt’s preseason is headlined by a trio of friendlies as part of the ADIDAS U.S. TOUR. The one that really stands out? A clash with Premier League side Aston Villa on July 26 at Lynn Family Stadium. Never before has Louisville hosted a men’s soccer game of this level. Expect fans from well beyond the city limits to make the trip, turning this into a real sporting event for the record books.
Jonathan Lintner, Louisville City FC’s vice president, says the reason big clubs keep coming back is simple—Louisville’s support system. The city’s love for the game, the crowds, and the modern facilities make it an easy sell. Players notice, too. They’ve talked about the professional environment and how last year’s visit helped them gel as a squad heading into the European season.
Frankfurt’s American adventure doesn’t stop with Aston Villa. Just a few days later, on July 29, they face the local favorites, Louisville City FC. This isn’t just a preseason tune-up; it’s a chance for Louisville players to size up against Champions League talent, while fans get the dream scenario of these two worlds colliding on home turf.
The club wraps up the U.S. tour in Philadelphia on August 2. But, from the moment Frankfurt set foot back in Louisville, it’s clear this stop is more than just another dot on the preseason map. It’s a testament to how far soccer has come in the city—and how much further it could still go.