The table tennis world is buzzing with excitement! Olympic and world champion Fan Zhendong has made the bold decision to leave China for a season and compete in Europe. On May 31, 2025 , the Table Tennis Bundesliga (TTBL) confirmed that 1. FC Saarbrücken-TT had secured what many are calling a sensational signing. Fan Zhendong, just 28 years old, will now play a full season in the Bundesliga, the German Cup, and the Champions League. At Saarbrücken’s season launch event on August 27, 2025 , Fan expressed his enthusiasm for this new challenge. He said he was eager to learn in a different environment and help his team compete for trophies. Saarbrücken’s team manager, Nicolas Barrois , described the move as a historic milestone for the club and for European table tennis, saying that one of the most successful players of the last decade was now part of their roster. A Rocky Start in Germany On August 31, 2025 , Fan made his highly anticipated debut in the Bundesliga. His team, Saarb...

Olympic champion Fan Zhendong has already created a massive wave of excitement in Germany following his move to TTC Saarbrücken. The club announced that tickets for its first two home matches of the new TTBL season – against TTC Schwalbe Bergneustadt and Borussia Dortmund – sold out almost instantly. To meet the overwhelming demand, Saarbrücken decided to install temporary stands for the first three home games. Additionally, an onsite ticket office will be set up to give local fans a fair chance to buy tickets. The 28-year-old Fan, who joined Saarbrücken in June, will make his German league debut on August 31. German media highlight that his arrival has completely transformed the atmosphere. Last season, the club attracted around 400 to 600 spectators per home game. But with Fan on board, the 2,000-seat arena is already selling out a month in advance. The club has even hinted at the possibility of moving certain matches to a larger venue to accommodate the growing crowds. “The club...