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After beginning the 2025/26 season with optimism following a sixth-place finish in 2024/25 and the promise of European competition, 1. FSV Mainz 05 struggled through a disastrous start. Manager Bo Henriksen was dismissed in early December as the club found itself anchored to the bottom of the Bundesliga standings.

The appointment of Urs Fischer marked a crucial turning point. The former Union Berlin head coach stabilized the team and guided the 05ers to a respectable 10th-place finish in the Bundesliga, while also leading them to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Conference League. This strong recovery has injected new hope around the club as they head into the 2026/27 season.

Central to Mainz’s resurgence was Nadiem Amiri, whose creative influence in attack proved vital. In a season where he tallied seven goals and eight assists previously, Amiri stepped up once again, especially after Jonathan Burkardt’s departure last summer placed even greater responsibility on his shoulders. The 29-year-old responded with an outstanding campaign.

Despite missing five league matches between late February and early April due to injury, Amiri still finished as Mainz’s top Bundesliga scorer with 12 goals. Repeatedly, he delivered in clutch moments, helping Fischer’s men gather crucial points in their successful fight away from relegation danger. In addition to his goals, he also registered two assists over the course of the season.

Amiri’s performances were consistently decisive, with particularly impressive outings against Heidenheim and Hamburger SV. However, his most remarkable display came in Mainz’s 2-0 home victory over Augsburg.

In front of a joyous crowd at the MEWA Arena, amid carnival festivities, Amiri found the net twice to secure all three points. The playmaker was instrumental in every phase of Mainz’s attacking play, recording three key passes, nine accurate passes in the final third, five progressive carries, and creating one major scoring opportunity.

His defensive contribution was equally impressive. Amiri won 45 percent of his duels, succeeded in half of his tackles, and made five ball recoveries as Mainz comfortably held Augsburg scoreless.

Two other Mainz players also earned recognition from the Bulinews panel: Daniel Batz and Kaishu Sano.

Batz stepped up admirably in place of the injured Robin Zentner, keeping four clean sheets and achieving a 72 percent save rate in 21 appearances. The experienced goalkeeper has since completed a move to Borussia Mönchengladbach ahead of next season.

Meanwhile, Kaishu Sano emerged as one of Mainz’s most dependable performers. The hard-working midfielder earned widespread appreciation for his relentless energy and tireless displays, gaining the nickname “Iron Man” from fans. The Japanese international is set to represent his country at the upcoming World Cup and is reportedly drawing attention from several top European clubs.