Magdalena Rukavina – Career Leap into the National Team
The position on the field was the same as in the Vienna women’s team, as was the effort and motivation. But on February 25, Rukavina didn’t play for the Döblinger, she played for the national team. After over 30 years, a Vienna player was once again a member of the Austrian A-team. Magdalena has now taken the next step on her career ladder.
When you talk to Maggy, it doesn’t take long before small talk gives way to admiration. Her athletic career has seen multiple stages, and her path has been a constant rise. The fascination the Carinthian has for football began early, specifically with FC St. Veit.
"Football was already a big thing for me as a child. I was excited about playing on the football pitch from the age of five," Maggy recalls of her early years. It quickly became clear to her coaches and parents that here was a girl with promising football talent. The enthusiasm was one part of the equation, and her physical talent was the other. Initially playing as a forward, Maggy later developed into a midfielder.
At the age of 14, Rukavina was accepted into the ÖFB Women’s Academy in St. Pölten, where Austria’s talents are trained at an international level. Call-ups to the U17 and U19/20 national teams were then part of the game. In 2024, she graduated in St. Pölten and then moved to the capital for university studies. Maggy is studying Biology and Sports and, with smart time management, is balancing her teaching degree studies and her football career. Since July 2024, she has been strengthening the Blaugelben in the 1st Women’s Bundesliga. Her main position is midfield.
"Maggy brings everything we were looking for in this position. She stands out mainly for her football intelligence and her personality," said women’s head coach Mark Dobrounig about the new signing.
Rukavina is not only the playmaker in the women’s team’s game, but her powerful shot also regularly leads to success. Last season, the ball found the back of the net four times against the opposing goalkeeper.
Magdalena’s commitment, technique, and game understanding with the Döbling team acted like a megaphone. She was called up to the national team and earned positive press as a player in the Women’s Nations League against Germany in February. Now, she remains on the radar of women’s national coach Alexander Schriebl.
The call-up to a women’s national team is nothing new for Vienna. In the 1991/92 season, several Vienna players were part of the A-national team: Ursula Kabes in goal, Isabella Bruckner in midfield, and Helga Allram and Sabine Smolka in attack. After more than 30 years, Rukavina continues this tradition.
What makes the 1.67m tall player stand out?
"My strengths are my vision and calmness with the ball. I’m mentally stronger than before, and I handle pressure better now," Maggy analyzes her positives. Her work rate during matches is immense—she could easily run a half marathon. Her speed and tackling ability, however, she describes as a work in progress. She plans to keep working on these areas.
Like all professionals, Maggy’s visions are far-reaching. The dream is to make the leap to a renowned club abroad.
"Playing in England or Spain would be really cool," she reveals, but sees herself just at the beginning of that journey.
Vienna is undoubtedly a solid foundation for further success. Magdalena's sports diary is certainly far from being fully written.
Profile of Magdalena Rukavina:
- Born: January 19, 2005
- Height: 1.67m
- Last club: USV Neulengbach
- Position: Midfield
