A big presence at the back with great passing capabilites, Schonlau joined Whitecaps FC in August 2025 via transfer from German side Hamburger SV.
Schonlau agreed to an MLS contract through 2026, with a club option for 2027.
HAMBURGER SV
Schonlau was captain of HSV for more than 100 matches across four seasons after joining the side in 2021. Prior to making the move to Vancouver, he made 23 appearances for HSV in the 2024/25 2. Bundesliga season, with two additional appearances in the DFB-Pokal, leading HSV to secure promotion to the Bundesliga.
SC PADERBORN 07
In his youth, Schonlau came through the academy of SC Paderborn 07, signing a professional contract in 2012 and making his debut in 2014. He would go on to appear in 176 matches for SC Paderborn, scoring seven goals and adding nine assists. After helping Paderborn earn promotion to the Bundesliga, Schonlau made 23 appearances, while recording two goals as well as an assist during the 2019/20 season.
SC VERL
In-between his time at Paderborn, Schonlau spent the 2014/15 season on loan to SC Verl, making 29 appearances while scoring three goals and tallying one assist.
YOUTH
Schonlau also spent time in his youth with SC Warburg 08.
