Niklas Hoffmann

Niklas Hoffmann (born 9 April 1997) is a German professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Regionalliga West side 1. FC Köln II.

Career Born in Landau, Rhineland-Palatinate, Hoffmann began playing football at TSV Fortuna Billigheim-Ingenheim in Südliche Weinstraße. At age 10, he joined the youth academy of Karlsruher SC after impressing at a youth tournament. Hoffmann ended the 2017–18 season in fourth place in the league with Freiburg II.

In the winter break of the following season, Hoffmann was signed by FC St. Pauli. As part of their second team, he successfully avoided relegation from the Regionalliga Nord. After the defender was able to make his debut for the first team in a first round win in the DFB-Pokal over VfB Lübeck in June 2019, head coach Jos Luhukay utilised him increasingly in the 2. Bundesliga due to injuries to regular starters.

After five 2. Bundesliga and 15 Regionalliga appearances for the Kiezkicker, Hoffmann moved to 3. Liga side Würzburger Kickers in late January 2020. There, he received a contract valid until 30 June 2021, with an option for an additional year.

Following Würzburger Kickers' relegation to the Regionalliga Bayern in the 2022–23 season, Hoffmann joined Austrian Second League club SV Horn on 2 July 2022.

On 22 May 2024, Hoffmann agreed to return to Germany and join Waldhof Mannheim in 3. Liga.

On 19 June 2026, Hoffmann signed with 1. FC Köln II in Regionalliga, the reserve side of 1. FC Köln.

Honours Würzburger Kickers 3. Liga runners-up: 2019–20