From setbacks to records: This is Fraser Hornby.
Our new signing Fraser Hornby knows just how quickly everything can change in football. The Scottish striker became the all-time leading goalscorer for his country's U21 national team, endured the toughest spell of his professional career just a few years later and emerged from it stronger than before.
Standing Still Is Not an Option
At first glance, Hornby does not necessarily look like a player capable of reaching speeds of more than 32 km/h. Standing at 1.95 metres tall, the Scot appears to fit the mould of a traditional target man. But he is much more than that. Hornby is constantly on the move, whether operating between the lines or making runs in behind. He looks for space and puts opposition defenders under immense pressure from the outset.
“I’m a player who can adapt to different situations and brings a lot of energy and intensity to the game,” the 26-year-old says of himself. Whether as a centre-forward, second striker or attacking midfielder, his aim is always the same: to score goals, create chances and help the team in any way he can. He leaves everything out on the pitch.
A Remarkable Comeback
Hornby is particularly comfortable playing alongside a strike partner. Together with Isac Lidberg, he formed the most dangerous attacking duo in Bundesliga 2 last season. Between them, the pair scored 28 goals for SV Darmstadt 98, with Hornby contributing 11.
That he would go on to post those numbers for the Lilies was far from obvious after joining from Stade Reims in the summer of 2023. Following seven Bundesliga appearances – six of them from the bench – without finding the net, he was sidelined by an ankle injury. The striker missed the remainder of the season (including both potential meetings with the Wolves) and had to watch on as newly promoted Darmstadt were relegated from the Bundesliga after just one year.
A Matter of Perspective
Looking back, Hornby describes that period as “the most difficult year of my professional career”. To process the situation, he deliberately stepped away from football and spent time reflecting on himself. Among other things, he found support through conversations with a sports psychologist, which helped him organise his thoughts and develop new perspectives.
It’s a good feeling
to be in control of your mind and body.
Fraser Hornby“I’m someone who expects a lot from myself,” Hornby said in an interview on SV Darmstadt’s channels. For a long time, those high expectations held him back rather than drove him forward. After returning to the pitch, however, things felt much easier. “I’ve learned to turn those thoughts into something positive. It’s a good feeling to be in control of your mind and body.”
Scotland’s U21 Record Goalscorer
Hornby’s eye for goal was well known long before his time in Darmstadt. In October 2020, the striker even made Scottish football history when a hat-trick against San Marino saw him become the all-time leading goalscorer for Scotland’s U21 national team. His tally of ten goals in 17 international appearances set a record that still stands today.
Scottish players have been a rarity at VfL to date. Hornby’s only predecessor is Brian O’Neil. The former centre-back joined VfL from Aberdeen FC in 1998 and later described his time in Wolfsburg as “the best experience of my life”. Hornby also has a connection to the Scottish club: while on loan from Stade Reims, he made ten competitive appearances for Aberdeen in 2021.
Experience and a Goalscoring Touch
Hornby has gained considerably more experience in Bundesliga 2. In 53 appearances, he scored 23 goals and provided 11 assists. He therefore knows the league and its unique demands inside out. “Anyone can beat anyone,” says Hornby, who knew after the first conversations that Wolfsburg should be the next chapter of his career.
