Marc-Oliver Kempf

Marc-Oliver Kempf is one of the most experienced and dependable defenders in the Como squad. The German centre-back joined the club from Hertha Berlin in August 2024 and quickly became an important figure in Cesc Fàbregas’ defensive structure.

A left-footed defender with extensive experience in German football, Kempf played for Eintracht Frankfurt, Freiburg, Stuttgart and Hertha Berlin before moving to Italy. He has competed in the Bundesliga, 2. Bundesliga, Serie A and European competitions, building a reputation for his aerial ability, positional awareness and threat from set pieces.

Kempf also represented Germany at several youth levels and won the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2017. At Como, his experience, tactical discipline and leadership have made him a valuable presence both on the pitch and inside the dressing room.

Quick Facts

Full Name: Marc-Oliver Kempf
Date of Birth: January 28, 1995
Place of Birth: Lich, Germany
Nationality: Germany
Height: 1.86 m
Position: Centre-back
Other Position: Defensive midfielder
Preferred Foot: Left
Current Club: Como 1907
Shirt Number: 2
Joined Como: August 28, 2024
Contract Expiry: June 30, 2029
Former International Team: Germany Under-21

Who Is Marc-Oliver Kempf?

Marc-Oliver Kempf was born in Lich, in the German state of Hesse, on January 28, 1995.

He began playing youth football with local clubs Dorn-Assenheim, Bruchenbrücken and JSG Bad Nauheim. In 2007, he entered the Eintracht Frankfurt academy, where he developed into one of the most promising German defenders of his age group.

Although Kempf eventually established himself as a centre-back, he also played in midfield during the early stages of his development. That experience helped him become comfortable receiving possession, reading play and contributing to attacking phases.

His progression through Eintracht Frankfurt’s academy eventually earned him an opportunity with the senior side.

Club Career

Eintracht Frankfurt

Kempf made his Bundesliga debut for Eintracht Frankfurt on November 27, 2012, starting against Mainz at only 17 years of age.

He completed the full match and made another first-team appearance only three days later against Fortuna Düsseldorf. His earliest professional experience also included a UEFA Europa League appearance in Eintracht’s victory over Bordeaux.

Kempf made five Bundesliga appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt and also played regularly for the club’s reserve team, scoring three goals in 18 league appearances.

Despite his limited first-team minutes, those experiences gave him an early introduction to senior football and European competition.

Development at Freiburg

In July 2014, Kempf joined Freiburg.

The move proved important for his development, giving him the opportunity to establish himself as a regular senior player. He scored his first Bundesliga goal against Hertha Berlin in a 2-2 draw.

Freiburg were relegated at the end of the 2014-15 season, but Kempf remained with the club and played an important role in their immediate return to the Bundesliga.

During the 2015-16 campaign, he scored five league goals, including two in a dramatic 4-3 victory over St. Pauli. Freiburg won the 2. Bundesliga title and earned promotion back to the top flight.

Kempf made 68 league appearances and scored seven goals for Freiburg. His performances demonstrated that he could combine defensive reliability with a significant attacking contribution from set pieces.

Stuttgart

Kempf signed for Stuttgart in July 2018.

He became a regular member of the defensive line and experienced another promotion campaign after Stuttgart were relegated from the Bundesliga during his first season.

In the 2019-20 season, Kempf helped the club finish second in the 2. Bundesliga and secure an immediate return to the top division.

He remained an important player following promotion and produced some of the most productive attacking performances of his career. During the 2021-22 Bundesliga season, he scored against Hoffenheim and registered two goals in a 5-1 victory over Greuther Fürth.

Kempf completed his Stuttgart career with 88 league appearances and nine goals, excluding the additional relegation play-off appearance included by some statistical sources.

Hertha Berlin

On January 25, 2022, Kempf moved from Stuttgart to Hertha Berlin.

He made his debut in a 1-1 draw against Bochum and went on to become a regular defensive presence for the capital club.

His first Hertha goal arrived in May 2023, when he scored in a 2-1 victory over former club Stuttgart.

Kempf remained with Hertha following their relegation to the 2. Bundesliga. During the 2023-24 season, he scored four league goals, including a decisive brace in a 2-1 victory over Greuther Fürth.

He began the following campaign with Hertha before moving to Como in August 2024.

Marc-Oliver Kempf at Como

Arrival in Italy

Como signed Kempf from Hertha Berlin on August 28, 2024.

His arrival gave the newly promoted club an experienced centre-back who had accumulated more than a decade of professional football in Germany.

Kempf made his Como and Serie A debut on September 1, 2024. He started the away match against Udinese, which ended in a 1-0 defeat.

During his first season in Italy, Kempf played 31 Serie A matches. His experience proved particularly useful as Como consolidated their position in the Italian top flight.

Establishing Himself in Serie A

Kempf became an important member of Fàbregas’ defensive group by combining physical reliability with the technical ability needed to participate in Como’s possession-based football.

His left foot gives balance to the defensive line and allows Como to build from the back with greater variety. He can pass into midfield, switch play and help the team progress possession down the left side.

His performances also demonstrated that his qualities were suited to Serie A, where defensive positioning, concentration and tactical intelligence are especially important.

First Goals for Como

Kempf did not score during his first Serie A season but became a significant attacking threat during the following campaign.

He scored his first Serie A goal on September 21, 2025, contributing to Como’s 2-1 away victory against Fiorentina.

Less than a month later, he scored again in a 2-0 home victory over Juventus on October 19.

Kempf eventually registered four goals in 24 Serie A appearances during the 2025-26 season. His contribution helped Como complete an exceptional campaign and secure a historic qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

First European Goal

On November 4, 2026, Kempf scored his first goal in European club competition.

The goal came during Como’s historic 9-1 away victory against Lens in the UEFA Champions League league phase.

For a player who had made his European debut with Eintracht Frankfurt more than a decade earlier, the goal represented another important milestone in a long professional career.

Contract Extension

Kempf’s original agreement with Como was subsequently extended.

According to the information available, his current contract runs until June 30, 2029. The extension reflected his importance within the squad and Como’s intention to retain an experienced defender during the club’s domestic and European development.

Key Moments

• Joined Como from Hertha Berlin on August 28, 2024.
• Made his Como and Serie A debut against Udinese on September 1, 2024.
• Played 31 Serie A matches during his first season in Italy.
• Scored his first Serie A goal against Fiorentina on September 21, 2025.
• Scored in Como’s 2-0 victory over Juventus on October 19, 2025.
• Registered four Serie A goals during the 2025-26 campaign.
• Helped Como secure historic qualification for the UEFA Champions League.
• Scored his first European goal against Lens on November 4, 2026.
• Extended his Como contract until June 2029.

Playing Style

Left-Footed Balance

One of Kempf’s most valuable characteristics is his left foot.

Left-footed centre-backs provide natural balance to a defensive line because they can receive and distribute possession more comfortably on the left side.

Kempf can open his body when receiving the ball and move possession forward without unnecessarily turning back towards his own goal. This makes Como’s construction more fluid and gives the team additional passing angles.

Positional Awareness

Kempf has accumulated hundreds of senior appearances across German and Italian football.

That experience is visible in his positioning. He reads developing attacks well, protects central areas and generally understands when to step forward or hold his place in the defensive line.

He is not entirely dependent on speed because he frequently anticipates situations before they become dangerous.

Aerial Ability

Kempf is a strong aerial defender.

Standing approximately 1.86 metres tall, he combines timing, physical strength and determination when challenging for high balls. He can defend crosses and direct passes while also providing support during set pieces.

His ability in the air is equally important in attack. Kempf has scored regularly for a centre-back, particularly during his spells with Freiburg, Stuttgart, Hertha Berlin and Como.

Set-Piece Threat

Kempf is one of Como’s most dangerous defenders from corners and free kicks.

He attacks the ball aggressively and understands how to separate himself from markers inside the penalty area. His goals against Fiorentina, Juventus and Lens demonstrated his ability to make an impact in important matches.

Moving from deeper positions can also make him difficult to track, particularly when Como use blocking movements or deliver the ball towards the far post.

Defensive Duels

Kempf is physically competitive and comfortable engaging centre-forwards.

He uses his body well when protecting the ball, contesting possession and preventing opponents from turning towards goal. His experience helps him remain controlled in challenges rather than relying exclusively on aggression.

He can also step into midfield to intercept passes when the tactical situation allows him to leave the defensive line.

Build-Up Play

Although primarily a defender, Kempf is capable of contributing to the first phase of possession.

His background as a youth midfielder helped him develop composure on the ball. He can play short passes under pressure, find midfielders between opposition lines and deliver longer diagonal balls when space becomes available.

This technical security makes him particularly suitable for a coach such as Fàbregas, who expects defenders to participate actively in possession.

Leadership and Experience

Kempf’s career has included promotion campaigns, relegation battles, European football and international youth tournaments.

These experiences allow him to offer leadership during difficult moments. His calmness can help Como manage periods of pressure and maintain their defensive organisation.

He also provides an important reference point for younger defenders who are still adapting to Serie A and Champions League football.

Role in Fàbregas’ System

Cesc Fàbregas wants Como to control matches through possession, intelligent positioning and coordinated movement.

The centre-backs play a fundamental role in this approach. They must circulate the ball patiently, recognise when to pass through the opposition press and protect large spaces when the team advances.

Kempf’s left foot makes him a natural option on the left side of the defensive line. From that position, he can connect with the left-back, central midfielders and more advanced players.

His passing helps Como establish possession, while his experience provides security when the team lose the ball.

Kempf can operate in a traditional back four or as part of a three-man defence. In a back three, he is particularly suited to the left-sided role because he can defend wide areas and contribute to the build-up.

His aerial ability also gives Como protection against direct football. When opponents bypass the press with long passes, Kempf can challenge for the first ball and help the team recover possession.

Career Statistics

Senior League Appearances

Club	League appearances	Goals
Eintracht Frankfurt	5	0
Eintracht Frankfurt II	18	3
Freiburg II	10	0
Freiburg	68	7
Stuttgart	88	9
Hertha Berlin	69	5
Como	65	4

Como statistics are based on the information available in early November 2026 and may be updated throughout the season. Different databases may include relegation play-offs or reserve-team matches separately.

Como Statistics by Season

Season	Competition	Appearances	Goals
2024-25	Serie A	31	0
2025-26	Serie A	24	4
2026-27	Serie A	7	0
2026-27	UEFA Champions League	Ongoing	1

The 2026-27 figures are provisional and should be updated as the season progresses.

International Career

Kempf represented Germany at every major youth level from under-16 to under-21.

He made five appearances and scored one goal for Germany Under-16 before progressing to the under-17 team. He was part of the German squad that reached the final of the 2012 UEFA European Under-17 Championship.

Germany were defeated by the Netherlands in the final and finished as runners-up.

Kempf later represented Germany at under-18, under-19 and under-20 level. He participated in the 2015 FIFA Under-20 World Cup and provided an assist in Germany’s 8-1 victory over Fiji.

His most important international achievement arrived with Germany Under-21.

Kempf played throughout the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship and scored in the 3-0 group-stage victory over Denmark. Germany progressed to the final and defeated Spain 1-0 to win the tournament.

Germany Youth Statistics

National team	Appearances	Goals
Germany Under-16	5	1
Germany Under-17	13	0
Germany Under-18	1	0
Germany Under-19	18	0
Germany Under-20	7	0
Germany Under-21	7	1

Kempf was never capped by Germany’s senior national team, but his youth career included 51 appearances across six age groups.

Honours

Freiburg

• 2. Bundesliga: 2015-16

Germany Under-21

• UEFA European Under-21 Championship: 2017

Germany Under-17

• UEFA European Under-17 Championship runner-up: 2012

Strengths

• Aerial ability
• Positional awareness
• Left-footed distribution
• Set-piece threat
• Defensive experience
• Physical strength
• Anticipation
• Build-up play
• Tactical discipline
• Leadership
• Versatility
• Ability to score important goals

Why Marc-Oliver Kempf Is Important for Como

Kempf gives Como experience, balance and reliability in one of the most important areas of the pitch.

His left-footed profile is particularly valuable within Fàbregas’ possession-based system. It allows Como to construct attacks naturally from the left side and reduces the need for defenders to receive the ball in uncomfortable positions.

His experience is equally important. Kempf has played in promotion campaigns, relegation battles, domestic cups and European competition. He understands the different demands of a long season and can help the team manage difficult phases.

Kempf also offers a clear attacking contribution. His movement, timing and heading ability make him a serious threat from set pieces. Four league goals during the 2025-26 season demonstrated that his influence extends beyond defensive work.

His role became even more significant as Como qualified for European football. Competing in Serie A, the Champions League and domestic cups requires depth, concentration and tactical adaptability.

The extension of his contract until 2029 suggests that Como view him as more than a short-term solution. He represents an experienced core around which the club can continue developing its younger defenders.

As Como’s project grows, Kempf remains an important connection between defensive stability and the ambitious style of football promoted by Fàbregas.

FAQ