David Alaba, the Austrian footballer, has been hailed as the most successful footballer ever produced by Austria. Alaba, who celebrated his 31st birthday today, has won an impressive 33 titles with FC Bayern and Real Madrid. While debates about the greatest basketball player or tennis player of all time may continue, there is no doubt in Austria about Alaba’s success.
What makes Alaba’s achievements even more remarkable is the fact that both FC Bayern and Real Madrid did not have to spend a fortune to sign him. In 2008, FC Bayern paid a mere 150,000 euros to Wiener Austria for Alaba’s transfer. And 13 years later, Real Madrid acquired him on a free transfer, despite his market value skyrocketing to 65 million euros.
However, Alaba’s record as Austria’s most successful footballer has been recently challenged. Christoph Baumgartner, a rising star in Austrian football, has become the country’s footballer with the highest transfer fee. Baumgartner was snatched by Leipzig from Hoffenheim for a whopping 27 million euros, surpassing the previous record held by Marko Arnautovic. Arnautovic was bought by Shanghai for 25 million euros from Bologna in 2019, who had acquired him from West Ham for 22.3 million euros two years earlier.
For Baumgartner, this move to Leipzig represents the next step in his career after spending six years at Hoffenheim. The 23-year-old expressed his excitement about joining Leipzig, stating that the club offers incredible opportunities. Baumgartner has signed with the Champions League participants until 2028 and will have the chance to play alongside his Austrian national teammates Xaver Schlager and Nicolas Seiwald. He is determined to join a club that can win titles, and Leipzig’s recent success in winning the DFB Cup in 2022 and 2023 only adds to his motivation.
Baumgartner’s move to Leipzig also follows in the footsteps of Christopher Nkunku, who joined Chelsea for a staggering 60 million euros. With Baumgartner’s talent and potential, it wouldn’t be surprising if he sets a new transfer record in the near future.
As the discussions about the greatest footballer of all time continue, David Alaba’s success stands out in Austria. With his impressive trophy haul and modest transfer fees, Alaba has proven himself to be a true legend in Austrian football. Meanwhile, Baumgartner’s record-breaking transfer fee highlights the promising future of Austrian football and the potential for more success stories in the years to come.
What factors led to Real Madrid signing David Alaba on a free transfer instead of him joining another top European club for a large transfer fee
Ears later, Real Madrid signed him on a free transfer after his contract with Bayern expired.
Alaba’s rise to success has been nothing short of remarkable. Born and raised in Vienna, he joined the youth academy of his local club, Rapid Vienna, at a young age. It was there that he caught the attention of scouts from FC Bayern, who quickly recognized his immense talent.
At Bayern, Alaba quickly established himself as a key player in the team. He made his debut for the senior squad at the age of 17 and soon became a regular starter. His versatility on the field, being able to play as a left-back, center-back, or defensive midfielder, made him even more valuable to the team.
During his time at Bayern, Alaba won numerous domestic and international titles, including 10 Bundesliga titles and two Champions League titles. He also became a regular fixture in the Austrian national team, earning over 80 caps and representing his country in several major tournaments.
In 2021, Alaba’s contract with Bayern came to an end, and it was widely expected that he would join one of Europe’s top clubs for a huge transfer fee. However, Real Madrid swooped in and signed him on a free transfer, much to the surprise of many.
Since joining Real Madrid, Alaba has continued to showcase his exceptional skills and has already won several titles, including the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. He has proven to be a valuable addition to the team and has seamlessly adapted to the demanding style of play at Real Madrid.
Alaba’s success has not been limited to his achievements on the field. He is also known for his philanthropy and humanitarian work. He has used his platform to raise awareness about social issues and has consistently given back to his community.
As Alaba celebrates his 31st birthday, there is no denying that he is one of Austria’s greatest sporting icons. His talent, determination, and humble attitude have made him a role model for aspiring athletes. Whether it’s his accomplishments on the field or his charitable endeavors off the field, Alaba’s impact is undeniable.
David Alaba’s rise and success in football is truly remarkable. He has not only become Austria’s most successful footballer, but also an inspiration for future generations. When comparing transfer fees of Austrian players, it’s clear that Alaba’s value goes beyond monetary figures. His impact on the game is immeasurable, making him a true icon for his country.