Christoph Baumgartner: Who is the RB Leipzig and Austria attacker?
Christoph Baumgartner's goals, assists and general magic in the final third helped Hoffenheim preserve their Bundesliga status in 2022/23. bundesliga.com profiles the exciting Austria international who has earned a move to RB Leipzig.
Data correct as of 24 June 2023
Age: 23
Club: RB Leipzig
Position: Second striker/ attacking midfielder
Country: Austria (29 caps, 10 goals)
Key stats
Baumgartner produced seven goals and three assists in the Bundesliga in 2022/23 - a 20.8 percent share of Hoffenheim's 48-goal total as they finished three points clear of the relegation zone. It marked his best single-season combined hand yet, and was the third time in four full campaigns he had hit seven top-flight goals for the Sinsheim club.
Watch: Baumgartner had a goal and assist against Frankfurt on Matchday 31 of 2022/23
Baumgartner had joined Hoffenheim at the age of 16, arriving from St. Pölten as a two-time Austrian U18 league top scorer. He was handed his Bundesliga debut at 19 by Julian Nagelsmann, and has since become a staple of the Austria national team. The 5'9" attacker, naturally right-footed but strong on his left side, got arguably his most important strike for his country at Euro 2020. His match-winning goal against Ukraine in the group stage sent Austria through to the last 16, where they were only beaten by eventual champions Italy after extra-time.
Fast forward two years and - just three days after he scored both goals in a Euro 2024 qualifying victory over Sweden - Baumgartner was announced as a Leipzig player on 23 June 2023.
Plays a bit like: Florian Wirtz
Baumgartner says the No.10 position is his preference, but he was increasingly being used as a forward at Hoffenheim. That he is able to make such a seamless transition between roles is testament to his footballing IQ. His abilities off the ball are matched by what he's capable of on it. Boasting quick feet and a silky touch, he also knows when to pass and when to go for goal himself, à la Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen and Germany.
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Did you know?
Baumgartner follows in the footsteps of older brother Dominik, who currently plies his trade as a defender for Austria's Wolfsberger AC. The pair twice lined up together for Austria U21s - in wins over Macedonia and Greece.
What they're saying
"I really wanted to join a club where you can win titles, which the team proved after winning their second straight DFB Cup. RB Leipzig are one of the most exciting clubs in Europe so I’m incredibly happy and proud to be here." – Baumgartner after signing for Leipzig
"Christoph Baumgartner was one of our absolute priority targets. He's a very versatile player who can play centrally, on both wings, as an inside forward or a central striker, and can also play in central midfield. Christoph is quick, possesses a threat on goal and is a very intelligent player. He can play with both feet and has an incredible shot. His skills and abilities lend another aspect to our game. Baumi is also a good guy: down-to-earth, eager to learn and ambitious." – RBL sporting director Max Eberl
"He's a player every team needs, and has made huge strides." – ex-Hoffenheim head coach Sebastian Hoeneß
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