Thijs Dallinga set a new club record with a historic brace in his first Bundesliga match for FC Koln. The 26-year-old striker scored both goals after coming off the bench to secure a 3-2 home win against TSG Hoffenheim.
According to a report by Bild Sport, Dallinga was substituted on in the 65th minute for Ragnar Ache. Within just ten minutes, the loanee from Bologna scored twice to turn the match around. This makes him the first player in FC Koln's history to score a brace on his Bundesliga debut. He is also the first Bundesliga player in six years to score twice as a substitute in his first home game. The last to do so was Erling Haaland in January 2020 for Borussia Dortmund, in a 5-1 win against this same FC Koln.
How did Dallinga's debut unfold?
The preparation for this moment was intense. Thijs Dallinga trained hard in the two weeks before the match, following his surprising move to FC Koln nearly two weeks prior. In the 1-1 match against Hoffenheim, the 28-year-old Ragnar Ache started. Coach René Wagner brought Dallinga on in the second half. The 38-year-old manager had received a promise from the new signing beforehand. "I am really eager to help the team and the club even more, and after a year we will see what I can achieve," Dallinga said. He delivered on that promise immediately. After the match, fans celebrated the match-winner with loud chants.
What does the move mean for Dallinga?
The transfer represents a major opportunity for the forward. At his previous club, FC Bologna, Dallinga had a difficult time. In the past two seasons, he managed only five league goals there. In Cologne, he now competes with Ragnar Ache for the starting spot. Sporting director Thomas Kessler was pleased with the immediate impact. "We knew what Thijs is capable of. Still, a striker has to take his chances," the 40-year-old said. FC Koln holds a purchase option on the player after the one-year loan. This option is reported to be a substantial fee, around 10 million euros.
What's next for FC Koln?
The win gives the team under coach Wagner momentum for the upcoming challenges. The current table and further statistics can be viewed on our stats page. The next league fixture takes FC Koln away to VfB Stuttgart on September 4, 2026. This important away match is the next item on the agenda, which you can follow in our fixtures schedule. It will also show whether Dallinga can maintain his place in the starting eleven. His teammate Said El Mala, the team's 20-year-old super-star, already praised the newcomer's qualities. The competition within the squad, which you can find on our squad overview, remains strong. But Thijs Dallinga's historic performance has created an excellent atmosphere at the Geißbockheim.
