Leipzig's Baumgartner Austria's footballer of the year

Leipzig native Christoph Baumgartner has been voted Austria's Footballer of the Year 2024. The Lower Austrian won the poll of twelve Bundesliga coaches conducted by the APA news agency for the first time. The 25-year-old from RB Leipzig replaces record winner David Alaba of Real Madrid, who was out of action for a year due to a cruciate ligament rupture.

"I'm delighted and very proud. It's an award for my hard work and my achievements. I know that this is not a matter of course," said Baumgartner.

Ost expensive Austrian footballer and world record

Baumgartner moved from TSG Hoffenheim to Leipzig in June 2023 for an estimated €27 million, making him the most expensive Austrian footballer to date. He was also chosen for his performances in the national team. He was the first Austrian team player since Hans Krankl in 1976 to score in five consecutive international matches.

In the test against Slovakia in Bratislava on March 23, he scored a "world record goal" after 6.3 seconds, the fastest goal ever scored in an international match.