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SINDELFINGEN, Germany (CHATNEWSTV) — VfB Stuttgart defended its title at the 33rd Mercedes-Benz JuniorCup, edging out FC Bayern Munich 5–4 in overtime during a thrilling final at the Glaspalast Sindelfingen on Sunday. The victory solidified Stuttgart’s dominance in the renowned U19 football tournament, with 1. FC Heidenheim securing third place.
“This tournament brings together the world’s top football talents, and the matches this year were exceptional,” said former German national player Cacau, patron of the event. “The combination of high-level play and a family-friendly atmosphere makes this tournament special.”
Virtual duels in the car: Mercedes-Benz JuniorCup patron Cacau and ViscaBarca test the unique gaming experience.
Tournament Highlights
Lauri Penna of VfB Stuttgart was named Player of the Tournament, while Leon Klanac of FC Bayern Munich received honors as Best Goalkeeper.
Key Results:
7th Place Match: Manchester United defeated São Paulo FC 5–4 in penalties.
5th Place Match: Glasgow Rangers edged out Servette FC Genf 2–1.
3rd Place Match: 1. FC Heidenheim triumphed over Borussia Mönchengladbach 14–13 in a penalty shootout.
Final: VfB Stuttgart overcame FC Bayern Munich 5–4 in overtime.
Honoring Excellence
Mercedes-Benz inducted VfB Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller into the JuniorCup Hall of Fame during the event. Stiller, who participated in the tournament as a youth player with FC Bayern Munich, made his senior debut for the German national team in October 2024.
Esports and Innovation
The tournament also featured the SK Gaming eJuniorCup, powered by Mercedes-Benz. Dylan “DullenMIKE” Neuhausen claimed the title after intense virtual matches, with participation from esports professionals, influencers, and Mercedes-Benz apprentices.
Esports fans worldwide qualified for the event, which showcased Mercedes-Benz’s in-car gaming experience. Visitors could explore over 1,000 video games on the Boosteroid platform within Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Final thriller at the Mercedes-Benz JuniorCup 2025: VfB Stuttgart celebrates the decisive goal in the last second.
“The Mercedes-Benz JuniorCup represents tradition and innovation, providing a platform for young talents on the pitch and in the digital world,” said Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management for Marketing & Sales at Mercedes-Benz Group AG. “We unite fans, athletes, and enthusiasts from across the globe to celebrate the passion for sport.”
Apprentice Tournament
In parallel, Mercedes-Benz factory apprentices competed in a separate tournament, with Plant Bremen defeating Plant Sindelfingen 5–4 in a penalty shootout to clinch the title. Plant Rastatt secured third place.
The Mercedes-Benz JuniorCup continues to combine sportsmanship, innovation, and global unity, offering a glimpse into the future of football and digital gaming.
