In this article, FreeKickSEO will take you through the Austria top 10 players of all time, ranking the legends who have defined Austrian football across eras., we’ve selected who truly belong in the pantheon: their stats, their stories, their glory. If you want the names, scroll down—but stick around for the context, because what made them great is often more than just numbers.
Who Makes The Cut & Criteria Used
FreeKickSEO judged greatness by a mix of:
- Club + international achievements
- Goal and appearance records
- Influence on the national team & key moments (World Cups, big matches)
- Longevity, versatility, leadership
Austria may not always be first thought of in global football debates, but its history is rich, full of flair, grit, and moments that still echo in stadiums today. Below are what we believe are the 10 greatest Austrian footballers ever.
The Top 10 Austria Players Of All Time
Here are Austria’s all-time best, in no particular order of exact rank—because each has a case; but roughly descending in impact and achievement.
1. Josef Bican
- Born 1913; played mostly in the 1930s-40s. He is one of the most prolific goalscorers in football history, with over 950 goals in official matches.
- For Austria: 19 caps, 14 goals. Also played for other national sides later due to shifting borders.
- Club success: Rapid Vienna, Admira Vienna, and especially Sla.
2. Matthias Sindelar
- “The Mozart of football” or “Der Papierr Man) for his finesse, dribbling, vision. Key figure in the 1930s Wunderteam.
- Stats: ~43 caps, 26 goals for Austria; huge impact domestically with Austria Wien.
- His legacy combines artistry + bravery in troubled times; voted Austria’s best footballer of the 20th century.
3. David Alaba
- The modern legend. Over 100 caps (~109), leadership, and trophies with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
- Versatility: started as left-back, played centre-back, even stepping into midfield; captained Austria in major tournaments.
- Titles: multiple Bundesliga, Champions League wins; Austrian Footballer of the Year many times.
4. Hans Krankl
- Legendary goalscorer. For Austria: 69 caps, 34 goals.
- Club performances include Rapid Wien and a stint at Barcelona, where he won individual honours like Pichichi (La Liga top scorer).
- His goal against West Germany in 1978 (“Miracle of Córdoba”) remains one of the defining national moments.
5. Andi Herzog
- Most capped for many years; 103 caps and 26 goals for Austria.
- Style: creative attacking midfielder, known for free kicks, vision, leadership.
- Club career included Rapid Wien, Bayern Munich, Werder Bremen, plus playing abroad.
6. Herbert Prohaska
- Midfield maestro. Elegant yet combative, precise in passing and understanding of the game.
- Played for Austria Vienna, Inter Milan, Roma; many domestic league titles plus cup honours.
- For the national team: long career, key matches, helped shape their midfield for decades.
7. Franz Binder
- A true goalscoring legend. Over 1,000 goals in his entire career (club + national + friendlies), with a monstrous rate for Rapid Wien.
- For Austria: scored goals with great efficiency; part of Austria’s pre- and during WWII era successes.
8. Gerhard Hanappi
- A versatile midfielder with defensive strength + creative support. Part of Austria’s top squads in the 1950s.
- Known for his work rate, leadership, consistent national team appearances.
9. Toni Polster
- One of Austria’s most recent stars among older generations. Great goal-scoring striker. tps://pantheon.world/profile/occupation/soccer-player/country/austria?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
- Long national team career, played across Europe. Big for Austria’s attempts to qualify in late 20th century.
10. Ernst Ocwirk
- Midfield general andf the best Austrian central midfielders ever. Excellent presence, command, passing.
- Played abroad (notably in Italy), blending technical skill with tactical discipline.
Honorable Mentions
These almost made the 10, and depending on your weighting, you might place them higher:
- Markus Arnautović (still active, big club career)
- Anton Polster (if you prefer more recent decades)
- Ernst Happel
Why These Players Define Austrian Football
- They cover eras: from pre-World War II to modern Champions League rivals.
- They embody different roles: goal-scorers, midfield brains, defenders and leaders.
- Their stories include legendary matches (e.g. Wunderteam, Córdoba, club finals), which aren’t just memorable—they shaped Austrian identity in football.
Key Stats At Glance
Below are some highlight statistics of the top names (just to give you a feel, not a full list):
- Josef Bican: ~950 official career goals; prolific with Austrian clubs.
- Matthias Sindelar: ~43 caps, 26 goals; voted Austria’s best of the 20th century.
- David Alaba: 100+ caps, dozens of trophies, leadership in modern era.
- Hans Krankl: 69 caps / 34 goals; top scorer in Austria & Spain; big moments.
- Andi Herzog: 103 caps; pioneer in linking midfield and attack.
Conclusion
The Austria top 10 players of all time show that Austrian football has always been more than underdog status: it’s had artistic flair, goal-machine legends, midfield brains, defensive walls, and modern superstars. Whether you love the romantic era of the Wunderteam or you follow Real Madrid and the Champions League, these names link past, present, and future.
If you enjoyed this list, FreeKickSEO invites you to check out similar rankings: best Austrian match moments, top Austrian World Cup players, or how the current squad stacks up. Also, leave a comment with your top Austrian—who would you add or swap—and we’ll feature your takes in future articles!
