Patson Daka has officially become the latest Zambian footballer to grace the German Bundesliga after completing a move to Hamburger SV following his departure from Leicester City.
The Chipolopolo striker signed a one-year contract with the newly promoted German side, with the agreement including an option for an additional season. The move offers Daka a fresh opportunity to reignite his career after five seasons in English football.
During his spell at Leicester City, the 27-year-old scored 29 goals in 165 appearances across all competitions. He also lifted the FA Community Shield and helped the Foxes secure promotion back to the Premier League by winning the EFL Championship. Daka additionally left his mark in Europe by becoming Leicester’s all-time leading scorer in European competitions with six goals.
Now preparing for the 2026/27 Bundesliga campaign, Daka follows in the footsteps of three Zambian trailblazers who previously represented clubs in Germany’s top division.
Andrew Sinkala Opened the Door
Andrew Sinkala became the first Zambian to play in the Bundesliga after joining Bayern Munich from Nchanga Rangers in 1999.
Initially recruited for Bayern Munich II, Sinkala impressed in the reserve side before earning a place in the senior squad under legendary coach Ottmar Hitzfeld. He made his Bundesliga debut in December 1999, coming off the bench in Bayern’s 3-0 victory over Hansa Rostock.
Although opportunities at Bayern were limited, Sinkala later moved to 1. FC Köln, where he enjoyed more first-team football before continuing his career with clubs including Augsburg. He eventually finished with 49 Bundesliga appearances and three goals before ending his playing career after spells across Germany’s lower divisions.
Moses Sichone Set the Appearance Record
Moses Sichone also made the move from Nchanga Rangers to Germany in 1999, joining 1. FC Köln while the club competed in the second division.
Following promotion, the defender established himself as a regular in the Bundesliga and became one of Zambia’s most successful exports in German football. During his time at Köln, he formed a familiar partnership with fellow Zambian Andrew Sinkala.
Sichone later transferred to Alemannia Aachen, helping the club earn promotion to the Bundesliga before scoring his first top-flight goal in 2007.
Across his spells with Köln and Aachen, Sichone accumulated 83 Bundesliga appearances—the highest total by any Zambian player in the league’s history.
Christopher Katongo Made an Instant Impact
Christopher Katongo arrived in Germany in 2008 after Arminia Bielefeld signed him from Danish club Brøndby in what was then a record transfer fee for a Zambian footballer.
The striker quickly became a key figure for the club, featuring in 33 of the team’s 34 Bundesliga matches during his debut season.
Katongo scored three league goals, matching Andrew Sinkala’s record as Zambia’s highest-scoring player in Bundesliga history. Despite his efforts, Arminia Bielefeld suffered relegation at the end of the campaign.
He spent one more season in the second division before continuing his career in Greece and later China, where he captained Zambia to its historic 2012 Africa Cup of Nations triumph.
Daka Chasing New History
Daka now has the opportunity to write his own chapter in German football.
With his pace, finishing ability and experience gained in Austria and England, the Chipolopolo forward will be aiming to establish himself at Hamburger SV while challenging the records set by his fellow countrymen.
Should he enjoy a successful campaign, Daka is well placed to surpass the three-goal Bundesliga scoring record jointly held by Sinkala and Katongo, while also beginning the pursuit of Sichone’s long-standing appearance record.
For Zambia, Daka’s arrival at Hamburger SV marks another proud milestone, as the country’s presence in one of Europe’s biggest leagues continues to grow.
