Rayan Philippe targets stronger HSV campaign after mixed debut season

Rayan Philippe, a 25‑year‑old French striker, joined Hamburger SV from Eintracht Braunschweig in 2025. In his first Bundesliga season he made 28 appearances, scored five goals and provided no assists. He described his campaign as having “highs and lows”, citing a winning goal against Heidenheim on matchday 4 and a brace in a 4‑0 win over Mainz, but noting reduced playing time and only one goal in the second half of the season, partly due to physical issues.

Philippe said his goal is to deliver a better, consistent season and will work closely with coach Merlin Polzin, asking questions to improve. He added that he contributed in recent test matches, scoring against Heidenheim and assisting against Everton. HSV’s next fixtures include a DFB‑Pokal tie with SC Verl on 24 August and a Bundesliga opener away at Dortmund on 29 August.