Fabio Gruber: “This is what football is all about”

It could have been the perfect day for Fabio Gruber, if Mainz 05 had somehow managed to force the ball over the line in their goalless draw against SC Paderborn on the opening day of the season. But despite the chances they created, it was not to be on the day. “That annoyed me,” said Gruber, who nevertheless played his part on his Bundesliga debut in ensuring that the Mainz goal was barely threatened and that FSV kept a clean sheet.

The Mainz 05 new signing from 1. FC Nürnberg, who turned 24 on Thursday, was therefore “basically happy”. That was also because he was able to play in Germany’s top flight for the first time, and from the start as a central part of the back three. “It felt really amazing, especially when we went out onto the pitch. You could feel the excitement that things were finally getting going, and not just for us players. I think the fans had been eagerly waiting too.” While Gruber was impressed by the atmosphere, he remained composed on the pitch. “Once I was in the game, I didn’t really think too much about the fact that it was now the Bundesliga. I just got on with playing.” He managed that very well for long spells. Gruber defended actively on the front foot, won 53 percent of his ground duels and 56 percent of his aerial duels. His build-up play, in which he has an important role in his position, also largely worked well. Ninety percent of his passes found a teammate. “But I’m generally quite self-critical. If there is anything I want to improve, I’ll look at it again, in addition to the analysis with the team.”

Contributing as much as possible to success

Gruber, who describes himself as a quiet character, has now settled in not only on the pitch, but off it as well. He has found an apartment and settled in well. “The month in the hotel was difficult. I like having my own four walls and normal routines, such as cooking for myself. That’s when you really feel at home. Overall, I feel comfortable, the city is cool and offers lots of opportunities. I also like sitting in cafés, I like it here.”

At his previous clubs in Verl and Nürnberg, the Peru international was captain. In Mainz, as a young new signing in a squad packed with experienced players, he first has to earn his place again. “But that’s basically normal. I look at things and try to integrate and settle into the group as well as possible. In the end, it’s about contributing in a way that helps us be successful.” Gruber said that aiming for a leadership role or the captaincy would not be the right approach. Playing football, implementing the things the coach demands and putting performance first: “That is more helpful,” said Gruber.

Challenge in front of a big crowd

Gruber made his first start for 1. FC Nürnberg in April 2025 against Mainz’s next opponents. In the 3-0 defeat to Hamburger SV, a certain Ransford Königsdörffer was his direct opponent at the time. On Sunday at the Volksparkstadion, the two will try together to help Mainz take points back from the north. “A really difficult game,” the Mainz centre-back expects. “But we will impose our game, no matter how emotional or heated it gets there.”

In general, playing in front of almost 60,000 spectators in Hamburg will be a great experience. Even in the second division, Gruber had already experienced stirring atmospheres in Nürnberg, Schalke and Dresden. Whether at the MEWA ARENA or in other professional football stadiums: “That’s what you play football for. It’s just incredibly fun!”