Best Austrian Soccer Players of All Time

Who are the greatest Austrian soccer players of all time?

When we think of the best football talents to come out of Austria, names like Sindelar, Alaba, and Bican immediately come to mind.

But there are other players who also deserve recognition for their incredible skills and achievements.

These athletes have made a lasting impact on the game and have solidified their place among the best in Austrian football history.

So, who will make the final cut? Stay tuned to find out.

Matthias Sindelar

Matthias Sindelar, known as 'The Mozart of football' and 'Der Papierene', was a highly acclaimed center-forward who played for the Austria national team in the 1930s. He was renowned for his exceptional dribbling ability and creativity on the field, making him one of the greatest Austrian soccer players of all time.

Sindelar's skill and finesse on the pitch earned him numerous accolades and recognition. He was voted the best Austrian footballer of the 20th Century, a testament to his immense talent and impact on the sport. Sindelar was also named Austria's sportsman of the century, solidifying his status as a true football legend.

With 134 international caps for Austria, Sindelar left an indelible mark on the national team's history. His performances were characterized by his technical prowess, vision, and ability to create goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates. Sindelar played a vital role in elevating the team's success during his era, and his contribution to Austrian football can't be understated.

David Alaba

David Alaba, a highly regarded defender, currently plays for Real Madrid in La Liga and captains the Austria national team. He's widely recognized as one of Austria's greatest footballers.

Alaba began his career at Bayern Munich, where he made a name for himself in the Austrian Football Bundesliga. Known for his versatility, he played both as a midfielder and a defender, contributing to his team's success in domestic and European competitions.

Alaba's exceptional skill and leadership qualities earned him a move to Real Madrid, one of the world's most prestigious clubs. Since joining Real Madrid, he's continued to excel, winning the UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles.

As a key player for the Austrian national team, Alaba has played a crucial role in international competitions such as the FIFA World Cup. With his consistent performances, numerous accolades, and ability to make an impact in multiple positions, David Alaba has firmly established himself as one of Austria's greatest soccer players of all time.

Toni Polster

Toni Polster, known for his relentless determination to score goals, was a highly successful striker who made a lasting impact on Austrian soccer. As a former professional footballer, he played for multiple clubs throughout his career, but it was his time with Austria Vienna and Sevilla in Spain that showcased his skills the most. Polster's ability to consistently find the back of the net made him a formidable presence on the field.

Here are some notable facts about Toni Polster:

• He was honored as Austrian Player of the Year on two occasions, highlighting his exceptional talent and influence on the sport.
• Polster holds the record for the most goals scored for the Austria national team, an impressive achievement with a total of 44 goals.
• His performances for both club and country solidified his status as one of the greatest Austrian soccer players of all time.
• Polster's success extended beyond Austria, as he also had the opportunity to play for the prestigious Liga club, Real Madrid.

Herbert Prohaska

Herbert Prohaska, a highly talented midfielder renowned for his exceptional passing and dribbling abilities, proudly upholds the rich tradition of Austrian soccer excellence established by Toni Polster. Prohaska's remarkable contributions to the sport have firmly cemented his status as one of Austria's greatest soccer players of all time.

Throughout his illustrious career, Prohaska played a pivotal role for Austria Vienna, one of Austria's most successful football clubs. His impact extended beyond the domestic league, as he also enjoyed a successful spell in Italy with Inter Milan and AS Roma. Prohaska was widely respected for his ability to make valuable contributions both in attack and defense, making him an invaluable asset to any team he represented.

Prohaska possessed exceptional vision and playmaking skills that set him apart. His accurate passing and superb dribbling prowess allowed him to create scoring opportunities for his teammates with ease. His versatility enabled him to excel in various midfield positions, making him an indispensable component of Austria's football success.

When discussing the greatest Austrian soccer players, Prohaska's name consistently ranks alongside other football legends such as Hans Krankl and Pepi Bican. His enduring impact on the game continues to inspire a new generation of Austrian players.

While Prohaska may not have garnered the same level of international recognition as some of his counterparts, his contributions to the Austria national team shouldn't be underestimated. He represented his country with pride and played a vital role in their success.

Prohaska's legacy as one of Austria's finest soccer players is a testament to his immense talent and dedication to the sport. His exceptional passing, dribbling, and versatility made him a true icon of Austrian soccer, leaving an indelible mark on the game.

Andreas Herzog

Andreas Herzog, a former professional footballer from Austria, enjoyed a highly successful career known for his technical skills and significant contributions to the Austrian national team.

As a footballer, Herzog played for various clubs, including Werder Bremen and Rapid Vienna. However, it was his time representing the Austrian national football team that truly defined his career. Herzog's skill as a midfielder was evident as he led the team and became their all-time leading scorer. His ability to control the game and create scoring opportunities made him a valuable asset to the team.

Herzog also had the privilege of playing for Real Madrid, one of the most prestigious clubs in the world. After retiring as a professional footballer, Herzog pursued a career in coaching, showcasing his passion and knowledge for the sport.

The International Federation of Football History and Statistics recognized Herzog as one of the greatest Austrian soccer players of all time, acknowledging his contributions to Austrian football. Herzog's legacy as a skilled and influential player continues to inspire future generations of soccer players.

Hans Krankl

Hans Krankl, born on February 14, 1953, is a retired Austrian footballer who's widely considered one of Austria's greatest players. He played as a forward and was known for his exceptional goal-scoring ability, which greatly contributed to the success of Austrian football.

Krankl had a successful career both at the club and international level. He began his career at Rapid Vienna, where he quickly became a key player and won the Austrian Footballer of the Year award twice. His performances caught the attention of top European clubs, and in 1978 he moved to Barcelona. During his time at Barcelona, Krankl won the prestigious Pichichi Trophy and European Golden Shoe, solidifying his reputation as one of the best forwards in the world.

Not only did Krankl excel at the club level, but he also represented the Austrian national team with great distinction. He earned 69 caps and scored 34 goals for Austria. He played a crucial role in Austria's qualification for the 1978 FIFA World Cup, where he even captained the team. Krankl's skill, goal-scoring prowess, and leadership qualities made him a beloved figure among Austrian football fans.

Hans Krankl's legacy as an exceptional Austrian footballer is unquestionable. His contributions to the sport, both domestically and internationally, have firmly established him as one of Austria's all-time greats.

Bruno Pezzey

Bruno Pezzey, a highly skilled Austrian footballer known for his outstanding defensive abilities, made a significant impact on the sport in his country. His exceptional skills as a defender earned him a place among Austria's greatest players of all time. Pezzey's strong tackling, strategic positioning, and ability to read the game allowed him to effectively neutralize opponents.

In addition to his defensive prowess, Pezzey also showcased his leadership qualities as the captain of the Austria national team. His leadership extended beyond the pitch, as he represented Austria at both the club and international levels with dedication and commitment. Pezzey's passion for the game and his exceptional skills made him a role model for aspiring footballers in Austria.

Throughout his professional career, Pezzey played for various clubs, including Eintracht Frankfurt and Hertha BSC. In the Austrian Bundesliga, he achieved remarkable success, contributing to his team's victories and winning league titles. Pezzey's impact on Austrian soccer wasn't limited to his defensive abilities. His determination and excellence on the field left a lasting legacy in the history of Austrian soccer.

Albin Gernhardt

Albin Gernhardt, a well-known Austrian footballer in the 1950s and 1960s, played a crucial role in the success of Austrian football during his career. While specific details about his positions and accomplishments aren't provided, Gernhardt's impact on Austrian football can't be underestimated.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Austrian footballers began to make their mark on the international stage, and Gernhardt was part of this talented group that helped elevate Austria's football reputation. While he may not have reached the same level of fame as Austrian legends like Pepi Bican or David Alaba, Gernhardt's dedication and skill were undoubtedly important in the growth and development of Austrian football.

It is important to note that Gernhardt's career coincided with a period of great success for Austrian football. The national team achieved several notable victories, and Austrian players started attracting attention from top European clubs. Gernhardt himself played for clubs like Werder Bremen and Inter Milan, showcasing his abilities on a larger platform.

Although it's unclear if Gernhardt received individual awards like the Golden Ball, his contribution to Austrian football shouldn't be overlooked. He played during a transformative time for Austrian football and played a significant role in its overall success.

Ivica Vastic

During the same period when Albin Gernhardt was making a name for himself in Austrian football, another notable player rose to prominence – Ivica Vastic. Vastic, a former professional footballer from Austria, represented the national team and is considered one of the country's standout players in recent football history.

Known for his calmness and skill in penalty-taking, Vastic demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure during the 2008 UEFA European Championship. He scored a crucial penalty against Poland, helping Austria secure a 1-1 draw.

Vastic's talent and contributions to Austrian football shouldn't be overlooked. He had an impressive ability to find the back of the net, making him the second-highest goalscorer in the history of the Austria national team. Additionally, Vastic's skills as a midfielder allowed him to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. His performances on the field earned him recognition from the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS), which named him among the top 200 Austrian footballers of all time.

While Vastic may not have achieved the same level of fame as Austria's greatest footballers like David Alaba or Antonín Panenka, his impact on the sport shouldn't be underestimated. His talent and contributions have firmly established him as one of Austria's best midfielders and attackers. Although he didn't play for prestigious clubs like Real Madrid in La Liga, Vastic's presence on the field and leadership qualities made him a valuable asset to the teams he captained.

Marc Janko

Marc Janko, a retired professional soccer player from Austria, was widely recognized for his exceptional goal-scoring abilities as a striker. He made a significant impact on the field, representing the Austria national team and playing for various clubs throughout Europe. Janko's skill and contributions to the sport were acknowledged when he won the Austrian Footballer of the Year award in both 2009 and 2010.

Throughout his career, Janko played for notable clubs such as Red Bull Salzburg and FC Twente. At Red Bull Salzburg, he experienced great success, helping the team secure multiple Bundesliga titles. Janko's consistent ability to find the back of the net made him an invaluable asset to his teams, often leading them to victory.

While Janko may not have played for renowned clubs like Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, his achievements as an Austrian footballer shouldn't be underestimated. Although he may not have reached the same level of fame as legends like David Alaba or Josef Bican, his contributions to the sport were significant and should be recognized.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Plays for Austria?

Austria boasts a pool of highly skilled soccer players who proudly represent the national team. These talented individuals showcase their abilities while playing for renowned Austrian soccer clubs, contributing to the country's rich soccer history.

Who Is the Pundit for Austrian Football?

The pundit for Austrian football is well-informed about the achievements of top Austrian football clubs, the growth of Austrian football, notable international accomplishments, the influence of foreign players, youth development, famous rivalries, legendary players, European competitions, challenges faced by the national team, and future prospects. They provide insights and analysis on these topics, helping fans understand the intricacies of Austrian football and keeping them updated on the latest developments in the sport.

Conclusion

The best Austrian soccer players of all time have had a significant impact on the sport. Players like Matthias Sindelar, Josef Bican, David Alaba, and Marcel Sabitzer have showcased their exceptional skills and versatility on both domestic and international stages.

Their contributions to Austrian football have cemented their status as some of the country's greatest players.

Their legacy will be remembered for years to come.