AS Monaco’s Philipp Köhn continues to impress with AS Monaco this season. Having helped his team earn a vital point at the Vélôdrome on Saturday despite their finishing with nine men, the German-Swiss boasts an impressive career at his young age.
Köhn's football journey started at the age of six in his hometown club in Dinslaken, Germany. Starting as a striker, his goalkeeping talents were soon recognized, leading him to MSV Duisburg and then to clubs like Schalke 04, Stuttgart, and Leipzig, where he played during the 2017-2018 season.
The pivotal move came in 2018 when he joined Salzburg, quickly making an impact with a loan to FC Wil in the Swiss second division during the 2020-2021 season. Köhn's standout performances during the loan stint contributed significantly to his career: “I made many appearances in the Swiss second division, which was very beneficial for my development.”
Köhn already has rich European experience with 16 Champions League appearances, including a memorable Round of 16 clash against Bayern Munich and two Europa League matches with Salzburg. His stellar performance against Chelsea, making nine crucial saves, has been his biggest game between the posts in Europe.
Köhn's international journey has been intriguing. Initially representing Germany from under-15 to under-18 levels, he eventually switched allegiance to Switzerland. The decision was rooted in a long-standing connection with Swiss goalkeeping coach Patrick Foletti, as Köhn explained: “Switzerland had been trying to recruit me from the U-15 level. The contact with goalkeeping coach Patrick Foletti has always been there, which is why I decided to play for my mother’s country of origin.”
The goalkeeper's commitment to Switzerland led to his inclusion in the 2022 FIFA World Cup squad. Despite being the team's second goalkeeper, he embraced the opportunity to participate in his first World Cup.
Returning to domestic success, Köhn's standout 2022-2023 season with Salzburg earned him the title of the best goalkeeper in the Austrian Bundesliga. With 16 clean sheets and an outstanding save percentage (78.9%), he was an integral part of Salzburg's league titles in 2022 and 2023, along with a triumph in the 2021-2022 Cup.
In July 2023, the 25-year-old goalkeeper embarked on a new chapter by signing a 5-year contract with Monaco.
Köhn has seamlessly adapted to the team's playing style under manager Adi Hütter. Köhn spoke on his style and best abilities when he arrived in Monaco: “Goalkeepers’ style of play has changed a lot in recent years. I learned my trade in Germany and I am inspired by Manuel Neuer, who has a modern style. The team plays with a high press and I have to be focused all the time to anticipate balls in behind the defense. Reading the game is one of my main qualities.”
Manager Adi Hütter also spoke about Köhn's talent: “I am very happy to have him join the team. Philipp is a talented goalkeeper. He is particularly good in 1v1s and in playing with the ball at his feet. We can say that he is like another defender, able to play the ball cleanly.”
