From Dresden to the Big Stage: Mika Baur Makes DFB History
Dresden. It was only a brief appearance, but one for the history books: When Mika Baur came on as a substitute for Tom Bischof in the 77th minute of the German national team’s 2-0 victory over Serbia on Thursday evening, the former Dynamo Dresden player became the 1,000th player to represent Germany’s senior national team. For the 22-year-old, who now plays for Celtic Glasgow, this marked the culmination of a remarkable journey from Dresden via Paderborn and Scotland all the way to the DFB team.
Immediately after coming on as a substitute, Baur apparently had no idea that he, of all people, had set this historic milestone. It wasn’t until after the match that the midfielder learned of the special significance of his debut. A historic moment that he himself couldn’t quite process at first.
Dresden as a Key Step
A significant part of this story takes place in Dresden. In January 2025, Baur joined Dynamo Dresden on loan from SC Paderborn. For the then-20-year-old, his time on the Elbe became a crucial stage in his development.
In the second half of the season, Baur played a total of 18 competitive matches for Dynamo in the 3rd Division, scoring one goal and setting up another. Above all, however, he was part of the team that secured promotion to the 2nd Bundesliga.
As a result, Dresden became more than just a stopover for Baur. His months at Dynamo marked a crucial phase in his development as a professional soccer player. In Dresden, he was able to showcase his talents on the big stage while also experiencing the special atmosphere surrounding this historic club.
The promotion with Dynamo ultimately became a turning point. Baur subsequently returned to Paderborn and established himself there in the 2. Bundesliga. This was followed by a move to Scotland to play for Celtic Glasgow—and now, perhaps the biggest step of his career so far.
From the Elbe to the DFB Jersey
Just a few years ago, the national team seemed a distant dream for Baur. Now he stood on the field in the Munich stadium, wearing the jersey of the German senior national team for the first time.
In the closing stages of the match against Serbia, the moment finally arrived. Baur was substituted into the game, making German soccer history in the process. As the 1,000th national team player, his name now stands alongside the great players who wore the jersey with the federal eagle before him.
For the young midfielder, it was the culmination—so far—of a journey that was by no means straightforward. Paderborn, Dresden, Paderborn again, Glasgow—and now the national team.
A Piece of Dresden on the National Team
For Dynamo Dresden, Baur’s debut holds special significance. After all, his time on the Elbe wasn’t that long ago. It’s been just a year and a half since he was fighting for points and promotion in the black-and-yellow jersey.
Back then, Baur was a talented young player looking to prove himself in professional soccer. Today, he’s a national team player.
Dresden was an important stop along the way. His time at Dynamo coincided with a phase in which Baur made the transition from a youth player to a seasoned professional. The games, goals, and experiences from that time are part of his development and, thus, also part of the story that ultimately led him to the DFB.
The fact that a former Dynamo player is now making history as the 1,000th national team player adds a special touch to the connection between Dresden and the national team.
From SGD to a Historic Milestone
Baur’s story shows just how quickly a soccer career can take off. He came to Dresden on loan. A few months later, he celebrated promotion with Dynamo. This was followed by the next steps in Paderborn and at Celtic Glasgow.
Now he’s a national team player.
His debut against Serbia lasted only a few minutes. Yet his significance in German soccer history is far greater. Mika Baur is the 1,000th player to appear for the German senior national team.
And somewhere between Dresden, Paderborn, and Glasgow, this journey began.
For Dynamo, this is therefore a special footnote with historical significance: The DFB’s 1,000th national team player is also a former Dynamo player who helped the club earn promotion. A player who once fought for promotion to the 2nd Bundesliga at Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion has now made the leap to the biggest stage in German soccer.
Mika Baur is a national team player. And a little piece of Dresden has traveled with him to Munich.
