Elias Bakatukanda

Elias-Geoffrey Bakatukanda (born 13 April 2004) is a professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for club VfL Osnabrück on loan from 1. FC Köln. Born in Germany, he represents Democratic Republic of the Congo internationally.

Club career Bakatukanda joined the youth academy of 1. FC Köln from SC Weiler-Volkhoven in 2011, and worked his way up their youth levels. On 13 April 2023, he signed his first professional contract with Köln until 2026. He made his senior and professional debut with Köln in a 3–1 2. Bundesliga win over FC Schalke 04 on 1 September 2024. On 8 January 2025, he extended his contract with Köln until the summer of 2028 and joined Blau-Weiß Linz for the second half of the 2024–25 season in the Austrian Football Bundesliga. On 18 June 2025, Bakatukanda extended his loan with Blau-Weiß Linz for the following season 2025–26.

On 2 September 2026, Bakatukanda moved on a new loan to VfL Osnabrück in 2. Bundesliga.

International career Born in Germany, Bakatukanda is of DR Congolese descent. In August 2023, he was called up to the Germany U20s for a set of friendlies.

Career statistics

Honours 1.FC Köln 2. Bundesliga: 2024–25