There’s a problem when Oliver Burke’s wife visits his home and asks him if he wants her to take anything back to Berlin. “I’m so used to everything here that I can’t even think of anything she could bring back anymore.” He is now an adopted German.
It’s almost 10 years since the Scotland international made a shock move from Nottingham Forest to Bundesliga side RB Leipzig. He has now joined his third club in Germany after leaving Werder Bremen for Union Berlin last summer and is relishing this latest adventure.
“I’m enjoying life here in Berlin,” he says. “When I was young, I never dreamed I would come to Germany, but here I am and I love the league, the team and the stadium. The atmosphere is on a different level. I definitely feel that I am playing my best football.”
Most notably, he scored a hat-trick against Eintracht Frankfurt in September, becoming the first Scot to do so in the Bundesliga. “I just have a feel-good factor.” He admits he is a different player and person than the teenager he was when he first arrived.
“Obviously there have been some difficult moments for me because I’ve been away from my family. When you’re away in a different country and you’re on your own and you’re doing everything, you’re almost starting your life and trying to figure it all out.
“Sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming because you’re trying to focus on football at the same time, especially if you’re not used to it and suddenly you’re interviewing everyone and you get a bit sidetracked.”
He recalled “going into training tired” as a result, and the infamous line from then-Leipzig manager Ralph Hasenhuttl in which he described Burke as an ’empty hard drive’ was interpreted as a criticism of his tactical awareness rather than excitement about his potential.
“It’s definitely gotten better, but at first you feel homesick when you’re in another country and you don’t understand the language or the writing. When you go to the stores, they don’t have the regular food you want.” It definitely feels a lot different now.
Oliver Burke celebrates with his Union Berlin team.
Union is a family club and they took him under their wing. “What’s really nice is that it’s not a clique.” The crowds at Stadion An der Alten Forsterei are not very large, but the stadium, with its three terraces, still boasts a superb atmosphere.
He had largely ignored his new team-mates when they tried to tell him what to expect, but he has now changed his tune. “The atmosphere is amazing,” he says. “They definitely bring noise in and out of the house. It’s special.” And football itself suits him perfectly.
Oliver Burke was a flying winger in his youth, so he adapted his game.
Speed is still an asset
“I think counter-attacking football utilizes my speed, which is probably one of my biggest assets. That’s definitely my style of football.” But as the 10th anniversary of his Bundesliga debut approached, he sensed a change.
“It’s definitely getting harder. Everyone’s getting faster and stronger, and now it’s like every player has incredible speed. You can’t run away from someone anymore.” Despite this, he is one of only three players to hit 36 km/h this season.
Oliver Burke is one of only three Bundesliga players to have recorded a speed of 36 km/h this season.
Feel like a different player
Burke is still playing young and energetic. Memories of playing football for York as a child and eating pizza in the car on the way back from trials at Nottingham Forest are noticeable as his eyes light up. But now at 28, his game has matured.
He cites Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo as his childhood heroes, and the latter’s evolution from a flying winger into a central force is one he is also working on. “As a striker, I like to be at the top of the field because I feel I can do more damage there.”
Burke explains: “It’s changed a lot. I almost feel like a different player. As you mature as a player, you know your job better and become more effective in your role defensively as well. Players change. It’s really about adaptation.”
Union Berlin’s Oliver Burke positioning for the 2025/26 Bundesliga season
World Cup Hope
It is unclear whether his national team coach has noticed such an adaptation. Steve Clarke received a lot of text messages about Burke after scoring a hat-trick against Frankfurt, but recently admitted it has been six years since he played for Scotland.
Scotland are approaching the World Cup when they face Brazil in Miami as Burke returns to the biggest stage for the first time since he was a one-year-old boy. You must be frustrated because you feel like you’re missing out on an opportunity during your prime, right?
“I haven’t really participated recently so I’m not expecting anything. It’s an absolute honor to wear the badge and represent my country. Personally, I’d love to have that experience again, but I can’t think too much about it.”
There is still some hope, although he knows he needs more goals and a bit of luck to make it happen. Perhaps another hat trick. “I hope it catches some attention and at least gives me a chance.” But Burke seems like a peaceful person.
Oliver Burke is already feeling at home after joining Union Berlin in the summer.
Yes, he still has time. “I feel overly frustrated with myself. I know in football you can’t focus on too many things. You have to be fast.” But a career of “many twists and turns” was on the uphill side again, and he learned to enjoy the moments more.
“I go to the coffee shop with my wife and go for walks with the stroller. That’s it. Outside of football, I actually lead a pretty chill life.”
Loan spells at Celtic, Alaves, Millwall and Birmingham have all led him back to the Bundesliga.
“I feel like I’m at a stage in my career where I need to be playing the best football I’ve ever had. I feel like I’m at it right now. Of course, looking back there are ‘what ifs’ and ‘buts’ and ‘maybes’ but at the end of the day, this is my journey and this is what it is.
“It’s all part of learning and being yourself.”
