World Cup stars of the Bundesliga: Werder Bremen's Romano Schmid
Werder Bremen's 26-year-old attacking midfielder Romano Schmid made his mark on the FIFA World Cup with a magnificent goal in Austria's opening win over Jordan and will look to help Ralf Rangnick's side into the knockout stages.
Name: Romano Schmid
Club: Werder Bremen
Nation: Austria
International debut: 22 September 2022
Caps: 35
International goals: 4
Stats correct as of 17 June 2026
How was his 2025/26 season?
Schmid continued to be a creative force for Bremen in his sixth season at the club since returning from a loan spell at Wolfsberger AC in his native Austria. He scored four goals - all from the penalty spot - and provided as many as eight assists to help the club to safety in 15th.
That only nine players in the Bundesliga registered more assists in the campaign illustrates his creative impact.
Watch: Schmid showing his scoring class in the Bundesliga
What he brings to the national team
Schmid may go slightly under the radar compared to international teammates like Bayern Munich's Konrad Laimer or Borussia Dortmund pair Marcel Sabitzer and Carney Chukwuemeka, but he showed with his perfectly placed drive from outside the area against Jordan that he can make a cruical impact in an Austria jersey.
Having been in and out of the starting line-up as Austria qualified for their first World Cup since 1998, the energetic Bremen midfielder is likely to play a big part against Argentina and Algeria in their remaining Group J fixtures - and potentially beyond.
What his coaches say
“He provides fabulous assists, and it's not just the final pass, he often sets us up with a good penultimate pass. He makes great sacrifices off the ball too." - Werder Bremen coach Daniel Thioune
“He is in superb form and is full of confidence. He earned his place through his performances at Werder, but also in training.” - Austria coach Ralf Rangnick
