Colin Noah Kleine-Bekel (born 24 January 2003) is a German professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Swiss Super League club St. Gallen, on loan from 2. Bundesliga club VfL Bochum.
Career Kleine-Bekel was born in Bielefeld. He was an important player and vice-captain of the Borussia Dortmund U19 team that won the Under 19 Bundesliga in the 2021–22 season. He also made eight appearances in the UEFA Youth League.
In summer 2022, Kleine-Bekel left Borussia Dortmund after spending seven years with the club, signing for 2. Bundesliga club Holstein Kiel. At Holstein Kiel, he was assigned to the reserve team for the 2022–23 season during which he was an undisputed starter and helped the side avoid relegation from the Regionalliga Nord. He made his debut for the first team in May 2023, on the last day of the season, coming on as a substitute in the 80th minute of a 5–1 win against Hannover 96.
Following strong performances in pre-season, Kleine-Bekel was promoted to the first team for the 2023–24 season. He made his starting debut in Holstein Kiel's first league match of the season, playing alongside Carl Johansson in a 1–0 win against Eintracht Braunschweig. In March 2024, he suffered a cruciate ligament injury that ruled him out for the entire 2024–25 Bundesliga season following his club's promotion.
On 30 May 2025, Kleine-Bekel signed a contract with VfL Bochum until 2028. In January 2026, he joined Swiss Super League club St. Gallen on loan until the end of the season. On 9 June 2026, Kleine-Bekel extended his contract with VfL Bochum until 2029 and returned to St. Gallen on another season-long loan.
Style of play A left-footed centre-back, Kleine-Bekel has been described as "tactically disciplined" and strong in duels on the ground and in the air. His build-up play is focussed on minimising mistakes.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueDFB-PokalTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsHolstein Kiel II2022–23Regionalliga Nord340–340Holstein Kiel2022–232. Bundesliga1000102023–242. Bundesliga240202602024–25Bundesliga000000Total25020270VfL Bochum2025–262. Bundesliga100010Career total60020620
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