Robert Voloder Bio
Robert Voloder is a German professional footballer born on 9 May 2001 in Frankfurt, Germany. He plays as a defender and currently competes for the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer. Standing 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) tall, Voloder has built his career through German, Slovenian, and American clubs, beginning in the youth academies of his hometown before progressing to senior football. Over the course of his career, he has represented both Germany and Bosnia and Herzegovina at various youth international levels.
Early Life and Background
Robert Voloder was born and raised in Frankfurt, Germany, a city known for producing competitive footballers through its well-established academy system. Growing up in Frankfurt gave him early access to several respected youth programs in the region. As a young player, he joined the academy of Eintracht Frankfurt, his local club, where he began learning the fundamentals of defensive play.
Voloder later moved through the youth setups of FSV Frankfurt and SG Rosenhöhe Offenbach, gaining experience in different developmental environments across the Rhine-Main area. In 2016, at age 15, he joined the 1. FC Köln academy, one of Germany’s most respected youth development systems. His time at Köln marked a significant step up in competition and helped shape his path toward professional football.
Path to Professional Soccer
Voloder’s progression through 1. FC Köln’s academy prepared him for the demands of senior football. In May 2020, he signed his first professional contract with Köln, a deal that was set to keep him at the club through 2023. That agreement confirmed the club’s belief in his long-term potential as a defender.
During the 2020–21 season, Voloder featured regularly for 1. FC Köln II, the club’s reserve side, where he made 26 Regionalliga appearances and started every match. He scored one goal during that campaign, demonstrating composure beyond his years at the senior level. His consistent performances earned him a loan move abroad and eventually a permanent transfer in European football.
Robert Voloder Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Voloder’s senior career began in earnest with 1. FC Köln II, where he played from 2019 to 2021 in the Regionalliga. He became a regular starter for the reserve side, logging 26 appearances during the 2020–21 season. His development at Köln II gave him the experience needed to test himself in a foreign league.
In June 2021, Voloder was loaned to Slovenian PrvaLiga side Maribor, a move designed to accelerate his growth in a first-team environment. The loan proved highly successful, as he featured in 20 league matches in the first half of the season and scored two goals. Maribor activated the option to make the transfer permanent in December 2021, and the club finished the campaign as PrvaLiga champion.
Maribor Breakthrough (2021–2022)
Voloder made his professional debut on 18 July 2021 in a PrvaLiga match against Celje, stepping directly into a competitive first-team setting. He went on to play every league match in the first half of the season, scoring two goals while adjusting to senior football in a new country. His consistent selection demonstrated his reliability as a young defender in the Slovenian top flight.
Maribor’s decision to make the loan permanent in December 2021 was a strong endorsement of Voloder’s impact. The club would go on to lift the PrvaLiga title that season, with Voloder contributing as a regular starter across the campaign. His time at Maribor established him as a winner at the senior level and attracted attention from clubs in larger leagues.
Sporting Kansas City Era (2022–2025)
On 19 January 2022, Voloder signed a three-year contract with Major League Soccer side Sporting Kansas City, with an option for an additional year. The move brought him to North American soccer and represented his first extended stint outside of European football. He transitioned into the squad as a young defender with significant room to grow.
Voloder scored his first goal for Sporting Kansas City on 13 September 2022, in a 3-0 home victory over D.C. United. Over four seasons with the club, he appeared in 78 matches and scored one goal, becoming a steady presence in the back line. Following the 2025 season, Kansas City opted to release Voloder from the club, opening the door for his next chapter.
New York Red Bulls Era (2026–Present)
On 12 January 2026, fellow MLS side New York Red Bulls signed Voloder to a three-year contract, with an option through June 2029. The agreement marked a fresh start for the defender within the same league, joining a club known for its high-pressing style of play. He wears the number 6 shirt for the New York Red Bulls.
The move positioned Voloder in one of the Eastern Conference’s most established franchises. His experience in multiple leagues and his comfort in possession make him a logical fit for a Red Bulls team that demands intelligent defending and clean distribution from the back.
Defensive Profile and Strengths
Voloder is a tall, composed center back who reads the game well and organizes the defensive line effectively. His time in European football, particularly at Maribor, sharpened his tactical awareness and passing range. Across his career, he has shown the versatility to play in multiple defensive roles while maintaining positional discipline.
Notable Events and Milestones
Voloder’s most significant milestone came in his debut professional season at Maribor, where he helped the club win the PrvaLiga title in 2021–22. His first MLS goal against D.C. United in September 2022 was another key personal milestone. His subsequent move to the New York Red Bulls in January 2026 marked his third professional club in four years.
Robert Voloder Career Wins
Robert Voloder’s most notable team success came during his time at Maribor, where he played a role in winning the Slovenian PrvaLiga title in the 2021–22 season. Beyond that championship, his career has been defined more by steady development and consistent appearances than by a long list of titles. Across clubs in Germany, Slovenia, and the United States, he has built a reputation as a reliable defender.
Maribor Highlights
Voloder joined Maribor on loan in June 2021 and quickly became a regular in the starting lineup. He featured in all 20 league matches in the first half of the season, scoring two goals and helping the club secure the PrvaLiga championship. Maribor’s decision to make the transfer permanent underlined how valuable he had become to the team.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his PrvaLiga title with Maribor, Voloder has recorded steady performances at each of his professional clubs. With 1. FC Köln II, he made 26 Regionalliga appearances and scored once during the 2020–21 season. At Sporting Kansas City, he tallied 78 appearances and one goal over four MLS seasons, providing dependable defending throughout his time there.
Robert Voloder Family
Family Background and Soccer Lineage
Public information about Robert Voloder’s parents and family background is limited. He was raised in Frankfurt, Germany, a region with deep soccer traditions and multiple professional clubs, which helped shape his early development as a player. His German upbringing and youth representation of both Germany and Bosnia and Herzegovina reflect a family heritage connected to both countries.
Personal Life
Robert Voloder keeps his personal life largely private, and details about his spouse and children have not been publicly confirmed. His professional journey has taken him across Germany, Slovenia, and the United States, with each move marking a new chapter in his career. Off the field, he is known primarily for his focus on his development as a defender.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked Robert Voloder’s final campaign with Sporting Kansas City in Major League Soccer. He continued to feature regularly for the club as a center back, contributing to the team’s defensive efforts across the season. Following the conclusion of the year, Kansas City opted to release him from the squad.
Over four seasons with Sporting Kansas City, Voloder made 78 appearances and scored one goal, providing continuity in the back line. His release at the end of 2025 opened the door for his transfer to the New York Red Bulls, where he signed a three-year contract in January 2026. The 2025 season served as a transition period that set up his next professional chapter in MLS.
