Konrad Laimer is not only a tireless driving force at FC Bayern, his efforts have now also been recognized in his home country. For the first time, the midfielder has received a very special award
A prestigious vote has taken place in Austrian soccer and, for the first time, Konrad Laimer is at the top of the podium. The 28-year-old was named Footballer of the Year by the coaches of the Austrian Bundesliga, following in the footsteps of David Alaba, who has already received the award ten times – eight of them as a Bayern professional
Alongside Alaba, Laimer is only the second player from the German record champions to receive this award. The last time the prize was awarded to a Bayern player was in 2021. The vote is considered one of the highest individual honours in Austrian soccer. Sarah Zadrazil, an FCB player, was also honoured in the women’s category – a double success for the Munich club
„A role model for reliability and commitment“
FC Bayern is also delighted. According to sporting director Christoph Freund, who himself comes from Austria, the award is absolutely deserved: „We are delighted that Konrad Laimer has been voted Austria’s Footballer of the Year. As his compatriot, I am of course particularly pleased about this award, especially as I have known him for a long time and have had the privilege of accompanying him. Konny has been an absolute role model at FC Bayern and in the national team for many years for reliability, passion, commitment and, last but not least, for a team spirit that carries everyone along.“
Laimer has shown himself to be extremely versatile this season. Although originally based in central midfield, he is often deployed as a right-back under coach Vincent Kompany – and has impressed there too. In the Bundesliga, he has made 14 appearances so far, scoring two goals and providing three assists
His success with the national team also plays a role: Laimer qualified for the World Cup with Austria for the first time since 1998. Freund praises him further: „He was recently given the nickname ‚Alpen-Zidane‘ – in my eyes, he definitely has a turbo in his boot. FC Bayern likes to present Austria’s Footballer of the Year, David Alaba has even been awarded ten times in his career – let’s see if Konny starts a series too.“