Franz Stolz
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Franz Valentin Stolz | ||
| Date of birth | 14 February 2001 | ||
| Place of birth | Bruck an der Mur, Austria | ||
| Height | 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) | ||
| Position | Goalkeeper | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team |
Grazer AK (on loan from Genoa) | ||
| Number | 12 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2006–2012 | SV Oberaich | ||
| 2012–2013 | SC Bruck/Mur | ||
| 2013–2015 | Grazer AK | ||
| 2015–2018 | Kapfenberger SV | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2016–2021 | Kapfenberger SV | 32 | (0) |
| 2016 | → SV Thörl (loan) | 0 | (0) |
| 2017–2018 | Kapfenberger SV II | 5 | (0) |
| 2021–2023 | SKN St. Pölten | 49 | (0) |
| 2024– | Genoa | 0 | (0) |
| 2025–2026 | → Rapid București (loan) | 12 | (0) |
| 2026– | → Grazer AK (loan) | 2 | (0) |
| International career | |||
| 2018–2019 | Austria U18 | 5 | (0) |
| 2021–2022 | Austria U21 | 1 | (0) |
| * Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 22 August 2025 | |||
Franz Valentin Stolz (born 14 February 2001) is an Austrian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Austrian Bundesliga club Grazer AK, on loan from Serie A club Genoa.
Early life
Stolz is a native of Oberaich, Austria.[1]
Career
Early career in Austria
Stolz started his professional career with Austrian club Kapfenberger SV, progressing from the youth setup into the senior squad. He made his debut in the Austrian 2. Liga in a 3–0 defeat against SKU Amstetten on 27 July 2018.[2] He spent several seasons in Austria’s second tier, establishing himself as a reliable goalkeeper.
SKN St. Pölten
In July 2021, Stolz moved to SKN St. Pölten on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract.[3] He became the first‑choice goalkeeper and accumulated numerous league appearances over three seasons, competing in the Austrian 2. Liga and contributing to the team’s defensive strength.
Move to Italy
On 27 January 2024, Stolz signed with Genoa CFC of the Italian Serie A, marking a step up to one of Europe’s top‑flight leagues. The club announced his arrival as a new signing for their Primavera (U-19) squad with an option for the first team.[4] Despite the high‑profile move, he did not make a first‑team appearance for Genoa before being loaned out to gain more playing time.
Loan to Romania
In January 2025, Genoa loaned Stolz to Romanian Liga I side FC Rapid București for the remainder of the season.[5] He featured regularly during his loan spell, making multiple appearances in SuperLiga matches and recording several clean sheets, including in a 2–0 victory over FCV Farul Constanța.[6]
Return to Austria on loan
In early January 2026, Stolz’s loan with Rapid concluded and he was subsequently loaned to Austrian club Grazer AK for the remainder of the 2025–26 season.[7] The move marked his return to his home country to continue his development and strengthen Grazer’s goalkeeping department.[8][9]
References
- ^ "Franz Stolz erstmals ins Nationalteam einberufen". kleinezeitung.at.
- ^ "Spielbericht: Kapfenberger SV vs. SKU Amstetten 0:3". Sky Sport Austria (in German). 27 July 2018. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
- ^ "Neuer Torhüter für die Wölfe: Franz Stolz wechselt zum SKN St. Pölten". SKN St. Pölten (in German). 5 July 2021. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
- ^ "Primavera, il Genoa ingaggia il portiere Franz Stolz". Genoa CFC (in Italian). 27 January 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
- ^ "Rapid a anunțat prima achiziție din această piață de transferuri: venirea unui portar din Serie A a Italiei". Digi Sport (in Romanian). 10 January 2025. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
- ^ "Rapid - Farul 2-0". Gazeta Sporturilor (in Romanian). 16 March 2025. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
- ^ "Grazer AK verpflichtet Torhüter Franz Stolz". Grazer AK (in German). 3 January 2026. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
- ^ [1] Salzburg lässt auch in Graz Punkte liegen. ORF.at. Retrieved 15 February 2026
- ^ [2] Wolfsberger AC vs Grazer AK: Bundesliga stats & head-to-head - BBC Sport. BBC.com. Retrieved 15 February 2026