In the heart of Germany’s westernmost city, Aachen, amidst cobbled streets and historic architecture, a young Kai Havertz nurtured his burgeoning football passion. His grandfather, a pivotal figure in his life, ignited this flame, introducing him to the beautiful game and fostering his early skills in their backyard.
“My grandpa really got me into football,” Havertz reminisced in an interview with bundesliga.com, reflecting on his formative years. “He helped me take my first steps. Of course, my brother and father also played their part in getting me out there playing at an early age. Everyone was football crazy, and we were just a football family. We loved football, and everything revolved around it, so I grew up with it, and that’s how this passion developed.”
At the tender age of four, Havertz joined Alemannia Mariadorf, a local club where his grandfather served as chairman. His precocious talent quickly shone through, often playing alongside children two years his senior. This early success caught the attention of scouts, and at ten years old, Havertz embarked on a journey that would take him to the pinnacle of German football: Bayer Leverkusen
Havertz’s decade-long tenure at Leverkusen was a period of remarkable growth and achievement. While challenges, such as navigating a significant growth spurt during his teenage years, presented obstacles, his innate talent and unwavering dedication propelled him forward.
At just 17, he was thrust into the first-team fold by then-head coach Roger Schmidt, a pivotal moment that instilled in him the belief that he could compete at the highest level. “I scored goals,” Havertz recounted to ESPN in 2020. “A lot of goals. And I realized that these players are not that much better than I am. I can play with them. That helped me a lot. It was the first moment that I realized that I could do big things.”
And big things he did. Havertz became Leverkusen’s youngest-ever first-team debutant in a 2-1 defeat at Werder Bremen in October 2016. This was just the beginning of his record-breaking feats. On April 2, 2017, at the age of 17 years, nine months, and 23 days, he etched his name in Leverkusen’s history books as the club’s youngest goalscorer, finding the net in a dramatic 3-3 draw against Wolfsburg.
His meteoric rise continued, culminating in a historic brace against Hertha BSC, making him the second-youngest player in Bundesliga history to score twice in a single game. This breakout season saw him contribute ten goal involvements in 24 matches, announcing his arrival as a force to be reckoned with.
Havertz continued to shine at Leverkusen, becoming the youngest player to make 50 Bundesliga appearances and earning the prestigious Fritz Walter Gold Medal in 2018, an award bestowed upon Germany’s most promising young talents. His 17 goals in the 2018/19 season set a new record for the most goals scored in a top-flight season by a teenager, solidifying his status as one of the most exciting prospects in world football.
This exceptional form attracted the attention of top clubs across Europe, and in the summer of 2020, Havertz made the bold move to join Chelsea, embarking on a new chapter in his illustrious career.
Havertz’s first season at Chelsea was nothing short of spectacular. He seamlessly integrated into the Blues’ squad and played a crucial role in their Champions League campaign. The pinnacle of his Chelsea career arrived in the final against Manchester City, where he scored the decisive goal, securing the coveted trophy for the London club
“I think the Champions League is a special tournament, and I think every football player just loves to play there,” Havertz reflected on this momentous achievement. “I was fortunate to win the trophy, and for me, it was the best feeling I’ve ever had. So, to play there again with Arsenal is very exciting for me. Hopefully, I can bring some good attributes into the team, hopefully to win the trophy again. Because I think it’s the most special trophy to win.”
Havertz’s performances at Chelsea did not go unnoticed, and Arsenal, a club renowned for its attacking flair and youthful exuberance, recognized his immense potential. The allure of joining a club with a rich history and a passionate fanbase proved too strong to resist.
“From outside, Arsenal always looked like a family,” Havertz revealed. “That’s the feeling I got when playing. And when I joined, that was exactly what it was like, and the staff are really nice too – and that makes life easier for a new player. From the first minute that I spoke to Mikel about joining Arsenal, I had this feeling that he respects all of us very much, so that was also a big part of me joining the club. I just felt the togetherness of the club from the players and especially within the fans and the whole club. At the training ground, it’s like a big family – and this is a big factor to achieve great things.”Havertz’s arrival at Arsenal was met with excitement and anticipation from the club’s supporters. However, he acknowledged the unique challenges that came with joining a rival club.
“It’s always tough when you come from Chelsea, because they are big rivals, so it can take weeks to get some trust from the fans,” he admitted. “But goals and good games can help me to get it, and I will always give 100 percent in the games and training sessions. I think they will recognize this as well, which is very important. I’m really happy to be here.”
Havertz’s integration into the Arsenal squad was facilitated by the presence of familiar faces and a warm, welcoming environment.
“Before I joined, I spoke a lot with Declan Rice as well, who I know through Mason Mount,” he shared. “For me, it was very easy to come into the team because there are so many young players. I’ve played against a lot of them already, so I know them from the pitch, and I have found it easy to make friends here. Hopefully, it will continue like this.”
The significance of team camaraderie and a strong bond within the squad cannot be overstated. Havertz quickly recognized the importance of this aspect, both on and off the field.
“It’s very important to feel trust from the fans,” he emphasized. “It’s always tough when you come from Chelsea, because they are big rivals, so it can take weeks to get some trust from the fans. But goals and good games can help me to get it, and I will always give 100 percent in the games and training sessions. I think they will recognize this as well, which is very important. I’m really happy to be here.”
Havertz’s journey to the pinnacle of professional football would not have been possible without the unwavering support of his family. He acknowledges their sacrifices and their constant presence in his life.
“They are the most important thing because they have supported me since I started playing football at four years old,” Havertz said with a smile. “So, first of all, my parents, my family, my siblings, my grandma. They have been there since day one. My fiancée is with me all the time and knows exactly how I feel. She knows how she can support me, and it’s also very important to have that. A lot of what I do, I do for them as well because I know they sacrificed a lot of things for me.
As Kai Havertz settles into life at Arsenal, he carries with him the weight of expectations and the ambition to achieve great things. His journey, from a young boy playing in his backyard to a Champions League winner and a key player for a top Premier League club, is a testament to his talent, dedication, and unwavering belief in himself.
With the support of his teammates, the encouragement of the Arsenal faithful, and the unwavering love of his family, Havertz is poised to continue his ascent and write a new chapter in his illustrious footballing story. The future is bright for both the player and the club, and the Arsenal family eagerly awaits the exciting times that lie ahead.
