Sebastian Schonlau

Sebastian Schonlau (born 5 August 1994) is a German professional footballer who plays as a centre-back or defensive midfielder for club Holstein Kiel.

Early life Scholau was born on 5 August 1994 in Warburg. He used to live in Paderborn, and started studying economics in the city starting October 2014.

Career

SC Paderborn

2012–14: Youth team Schonlau received a professional contract from 2. Bundesliga club SC Paderborn 07 in December 2012 that would expire in June 2015, with an option for another year, despite his old club SC Warburg 08 wanting to let him go in that time for his stature and weight.

At the end of the 2012–13 season, Schonlau made bench appearances in matches against Dynamo Dresden and MSV Duisburg, though, was not subbed on in any of these matches.

In the following season, Schonlau made more bench appearances, though, was not brought on just like the previous season.

2014–15: Loan to SC Verl Before the 2014–15 season, Schonlau extended his contract to 30 June 2016, and was loaned to SC Verl for the 2014–15 season to gain more experience. He made his debut in a 1–2 win playing in defensive midfield against the second team of Borussia Mönchengladbach. During the season, Schonlau had several minor injuries, which lessed his opportunities in playing with the team.

Hamburger SV On 17 May 2021, Schonlau signed a three-year contract to join fellow 2. Bundesliga team Hamburger SV on a free, and was the club's first transfer for the 2021–22 season. Around a month later in July, he was named captain (thus making previous captain Tim Leibold vice-captain), and first wore the captain's armband in a match against FC Basel.

In the 2023–24 season, Schonlau suffered a calf injury in a match against SV Elversberg and was subbed off on the 74th minute, subsequently limiting his opportunities for that season.

Vancouver Whitecaps On 20 August 2025, Schonlau signed with Vancouver Whitecaps in Major League Soccer. On 4 July 2026, Schonlau and Vancouver mutually agreed to terminate his contract.

Holstein Kiel On 4 July 2026, Schonlau returned to Germany and joined 2. Bundesliga club Holstein Kiel.

Career statistics