World Cup stars of the Bundesliga: RB Leipzig's Christoph Baumgartner
Christoph Baumgartner enjoyed a career-best season at RB Leipzig in 2025/26 - now he'll hope to carry his sizzling form into the FIFA World Cup 2026 with Austria.
Name: Christoph Baumgartner
Club: RB Leipzig
Nation: Austria
International debut: 4 September 2020
Caps: 58
International goals: 19
Stats correct as of 7 May 2026
How was his 2025/26 season?
It has been Baumgartner’s best season ever. He tallied seven league goals in his first two seasons at Leipzig following his six-year stint at Hoffenheim – he was up to 13 in 2025/26, with two games still to play. Add in his seven assists so far, and Baumgartner has partly filled the voids left by both Xavi Simons and Benjamin Šeško following their summer 2025 departures for Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, respectively.
What he brings to the national team
Baumgartner has brought his country form to club level, because he has been Austria’s main man for some time. In 15 matches between November 2023 and November 2024, he had a massive 16 goal involvements, helping Austria reach the knockout stages of UEFA Euro 2024 and securing wins over Germany, Türkiye, Serbia, Poland, the Netherlands and Norway.
The 2024 Austrian Player of the Year was not quite as effective in terms of stats in qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026, but he remained influential as Austria reached the final tournament for the first time in 28 years where they will face holders Argentina, Algeria and debutants Jordan.
What his coaches say
"He's an incredibly important player for us and organises a lot, both on and off the pitch. He can make the difference for us." – Leipzig coach Ole Werner
"I'm very happy for ‘Baumi’. He's had a very good year with the national team, and has matured into a leader who sets an example. He takes responsibility on the pitch and beyond. We're glad to have him." – Austria head coach Ralf Rangnick
