Karim Onisiwo is the man of the hour at Mainz 05. With three goals from the first three Bundesliga games of the season, the Austrian center forward is currently Rheinhessen’s success insurance.
Karim Onisiwo has been with the club for a long time. The Austrian signed his first contract with Mainz 05 in 2016. The following years in the 05 jersey were years of apprenticeship. From the Austrian SV Mattersburg to the Bundesliga – that was a big step. Higher speed, higher level of play. Karim Onisiwo needed time to get used to it.
The way to Mainz
Born in the 10th district of Vienna “Favoriten”, he grew up with a certain David Alaba. The fathers of the two were friends. Onisiwo played alongside the current Real Madrid star in the Austria Wien youth team. Then they parted ways. Alaba’s career went up steeply. Karim Onisiwo had to accept a few detours. After eight stations, the 30-year-old finally landed at Mainz 05.
Starting difficulties in the Bundesliga
The first years at Mainz 05 were not very successful for Onisiwo. He was often on the bench and only got a few playing times. Players like Yoshinori Muto, Robin Quaison or Pablo de Blasis and later Jean-Philippe Mateta were regularly preferred to Karim Onisiwo. There was also a serious shoulder injury in autumn 2017. But Karim Onisiwo fought back. The club extended his contract. From then on it went clearly uphill.
“Jonnysiwo” – the dream duo of the ’05
Since Karim Onisowo has been allowed to play alongside Jonathan Burkardt in the 05 strike, the Austrian has suddenly blossomed. After the departure of Jean-Phillipe Mateta (in January 2021) to England, there was suddenly space in the 05 attack. Since then, the two have complemented each other almost perfectly. Onisiwo not only scores, he also puts a lot of goals on his strike partner. Onisiwo describes this development in the SWR interview: “It was also a process, it was a year and a half long process, in which I grew into a regular player. And this season I can finally exploit my full potential and now I’m scoring at the moment. “
Karim Onisiwo as a guarantee for the good start to the season in Mainz
When strike partner Burkardt was injured in the first two games of the Bundesliga season, it showed how valuable Onisiwo had become for Mainz. Two goals against Bochumone against Augsburg. Seven points from three games, fourth place in the table. His position in the team has also changed. “Yes, of course, if you always play, then you have a different standing. And I’m of a certain age now, at which you can also lead as a leader and that shows with performance,” says the otherwise very modest Onisiwo .
Praise from Captain Widmer
His manner brings him a lot of sympathy. From 05-Captain Silvan Widmer: “Karim is a machine. It’s not difficult for me to find words of praise. He’s an incredible team player. I often told him last season that he didn’t reward himself enough for his achievements and his Fighter’s heart. I’m very happy for him that he started the season so well,” says the Swiss Widmer about the Austrian Onisiwo.
And now that Jonathan Burkardt is fit again as well, Karim Onisiwo is back hunting for goals with his strike partner, so there’s still a lot to be expected from “Johnnysiwo” in the coming weeks and months – much to the delight of the Mainz 05 fans.
YouTube video from SWR Sport: “Mainz away series holds against Augsburg – DEIN FSV #38 | SWR Sport”
