Debut team scorer David Affengruber leads Austria to joy with a header

At Wembley Stadium, where the lights flicker over the grass, David Affengruber leaps after a perfect header to make it 1-0 – the debut team goal that puts Austria in front against Kosovo. The 25-year-old centre‑back, who only moved to Fulham at the beginning of the month, uses the moment to write his late breakthrough story.

From the Edge to a Regular Starter

In Salzburg he was discarded, but in Spain he developed into a team player at Elche. After a short spell in the Spanish second division, he moved in the summer of 2021 to Sturm Graz, where he was an undisputed regular for three years.

The move to England took place at the beginning of the month, when Fulham signed the 25‑year‑old centre‑back. His first Premier League appearance pitted him against opponents such as Liverpool and Manchester United – a relaxed start that immediately caused a stir.

National Team Breakthrough

On Sunday Affengruber was in the starting eleven of the Austrian national team for the first time. With a header he put the team ahead against Kosovo and also celebrated his first Premier League goal, which was also scored with a header.

After the goal he celebrated with his girlfriend Michele, who had her birthday on the same day. The couple run the YouTube channel “Affis Overtime”, where they give insights into football life.

Ralf Rangnick, Fulham’s manager, convinced Affengruber only after a delay. Up to Sunday he had only a brief appearance for the team in a friendly against Ghana and spent the World Cup on the bench.

Affengruber, who was retrained from striker to centre‑back at 18, says that this versatility helps him to put himself in the opponent’s shoes and defend better than an average defender.