Christian Eigler German footballer, striker Date of Birth: 01.01.1984 Country: Germany

1. Early Years and Career at Greuther Fürth
2. International Recognition and Move to Arminia Bielefeld
3. Success and Injuries at 1. FC Nürnberg
4. Late Career and Injury Woes at FC Ingolstadt

Christian Eigler: A Journeyman Striker with Speed and Goalscoring Prowess

Early Years and Career at Greuther Fürth

Growing up in the town of Unterreichenbach, Christian Eigler began his football journey at the local club FC Unterreichenbach in 1993. After six years, he joined the academy of 1. FC Nürnberg, where he trained from 1993 to 1999. Personal reasons forced Eigler to take a six-month break from football, returning to Unterreichenbach before ultimately signing for Greuther Fürth in 2002.

Despite a brief stint in Fürth's youth team, Eigler made his professional debut with the first team in April 2003. He played 34 games for Greuther Fürth in the 2. Bundesliga over the following seasons, showcasing his speed and scoring 18 goals in the 2005/06 campaign to become the league's top scorer.

International Recognition and Move to Arminia Bielefeld

Eigler's performances for Greuther Fürth earned him a surprise call-up to Germany U21 for the 2006 European Championship. He made one appearance for the team during the tournament, replacing the injured Piotr Trochowski.

In June 2006, after helping Greuther Fürth finish mid-table in the 2. Bundesliga, Eigler joined Arminia Bielefeld, a Bundesliga side. His first season in the top-flight was impressive, with Eigler scoring six goals in 27 matches. However, his productivity declined in his second season, and he ended his time with Bielefeld with 12 goals and six assists in 56 appearances.

Success and Injuries at 1. FC Nürnberg

Eigler returned to his former club 1. FC Nürnberg in 2008, signing a three-year contract. He played a crucial role in Nürnberg's promotion to the Bundesliga in the 2008/09 season, scoring eight goals and providing eight assists. Eigler helped Nürnberg avoid relegation the following season, scoring the decisive goal in their play-off victory over Augsburg.

Over four years at Nürnberg, Eigler appeared in 124 matches across all competitions, scoring 23 goals. However, his final season (2011/12) was marred by injuries, including a groin surgery. Eigler left Nürnberg at the end of the season as a free agent.

Late Career and Injury Woes at FC Ingolstadt

Eigler joined 2. Bundesliga side FC Ingolstadt in 2012, signing a three-year deal. He played a full season for the club, scoring six goals in 27 matches. However, he suffered a severe knee injury midway through his second season.

Despite multiple surgeries, Eigler struggled to recover fully from the injury. He made only a few brief appearances before playing his final match in April 2014. In the 2014/15 season, Eigler did not feature for Ingolstadt due to the persistent injury.