Sabitzer Leads Austria to Top of Group Stage
According to Crickex Login, Austria secured a dramatic victory over the Netherlands at Berlin’s Olympiastadion, propelling them to the top of their group ahead of both the Dutch and France. The defining moment came in the 80th minute when Austrian captain Marcel Sabitzer netted the decisive goal, sealing Austria’s place as group winners. Born in Wels, a picturesque town at the foot of the Austrian Alps, Sabitzer’s journey to international stardom began early. He joined the youth ranks of Graz-based clubs in 2001 and quickly emerged as one of the brightest offensive talents in their history.
Between 2005 and 2008, Crickex Login reports Sabitzer scored an astonishing 49 goals in 63 youth matches, helping his U15 team to a runner-up finish in the Styrian League. In 2007, he also led his high school team to victory in Austria’s student league. Shortly after his 16th birthday, Sabitzer made his youth debut for Admira in March 2010 and became a first-team regular during the 2010–11 season. From 2005 to 2010, he tallied 78 goals in 100 youth games. His professional debut came on September 14, 2010, under coach Kubauer, and he scored his first senior goal just 10 days later against Lustenau 07.
Sabitzer moved to Germany’s RB Leipzig in the 2014–15 season but was loaned to Red Bull Salzburg for a year. He made an immediate impact, scoring in his debut and finishing the season with 27 goals and 21 assists across all competitions, helping the team win both league and cup titles. Returning to Leipzig for the 2015–16 season, Sabitzer played a crucial role in the club’s promotion to the Bundesliga, contributing 8 goals and 5 assists in 32 games. Despite two shoulder injuries during the 2017–18 campaign, he remained a central figure in Leipzig’s lineup.
In the UEFA Champions League, Sabitzer recorded assists in three consecutive group matches but failed to advance beyond the group stage. In April 2018, he extended his contract with Leipzig until 2022. Under coach Ralf Rangnick in the 2018–19 season, Sabitzer often played as a central striker. He praised Rangnick for his belief and mentorship, tracing their partnership back to 2015 when Sabitzer joined Leipzig in the second division. Leipzig reached their first-ever German Cup final that season but fell 3–0 to Bayern Munich.
In 2021, Sabitzer transferred to Bayern Munich, signing a contract through June 2025. While he won the Bundesliga in his debut season, he struggled to find a consistent role, unable to fit into Bayern’s attacking or wide midfield structures. Due to Leon Goretzka’s injury in 2022–23, Sabitzer saw increased playing time but returned to the bench once Goretzka recovered and the midfield trio of Kimmich, Goretzka, and Musiala solidified.
In January 2023, Sabitzer joined Manchester United on loan, becoming the first Austrian to play for the club. He made his mark by scoring in the FA Cup quarterfinal victory over Fulham. By July 2023, he had signed a four-year deal with Borussia Dortmund as a replacement for Jude Bellingham. Before the winter break, Sabitzer started 16 of 19 matches, regaining form and defensive prowess. With 5 assists and 1 goal, he was instrumental in Dortmund’s Champions League campaign, although they ultimately fell 2–0 to Real Madrid in the final.
On the international stage, Sabitzer represented Austria’s U16 team in 2009–10 and scored in five matches under coach Janeschitz. He later featured in the 22nd TOTO Youth Cup, scoring in matches against Belgium, Croatia, and Switzerland to become the tournament’s top scorer. Sabitzer made his senior national team debut on June 5, 2012, in a friendly against Romania. Notably, he has participated in three consecutive European Championships from 2016 to 2024, solidifying his role as a cornerstone of Austrian football.