Louis Birkhahn’s Step into Professional Football
In June, four youngsters were awarded professional contracts with the first team. One of them is Louis Birkhahn. His profile: 19 years old, 1.84m tall, 18 goals in the Vienna City League, right-footed. Birkhahn has developed into an ambitious footballer through Vienna’s talent system and is also on standby for the Austrian U19 national team. In an interview, he shared his thoughts and dreams.
Why football, why Vienna?
I’ve loved ball games since primary school, with basketball and football being my favorites. That it became football was mainly because of my family. My grandfather and my father both played for Vienna, and that shaped me. As a child, I often went to Hohe Warte and have been a Vienna fan ever since.
Did you also start your career at Vienna?
No. My first club was FC Stadlau. Then, from U13 to U16, I was at Rapid and played in the Academy League. In July 2022, I joined Vienna, played in the U18 and later in the amateur team. Now I’ve signed a professional contract with the first team until 2028.
What are your strengths as a footballer?
(Thinks) I’d say my strengths are still a work in progress. I’m quick and explosive, which is why I usually played as a striker with the amateurs. My top speed was once measured at 34.8 km/h. (Note: world-class sprinters reach about 38 km/h.) I’d also describe my technique as good. For my further development, though, I’ll need to put on six or seven kilos to become more physically robust.
You’re now part of the first team. What has changed for you?
A lot. Training with Bundesliga players has much more quality compared to training with peers in the amateur squad. I learn something new every week. Professionals are more ambitious and work with greater precision. As a newcomer, I’m being pushed hard and am still in the phase of settling in and working my way up. My private life has changed, too—I now live on my own.
The Vienna Amateurs narrowly missed the league title. Are you disappointed?
Of course, winning the title would have been great. A title means something, especially pride. Still, our season was excellent. We were a young team and just wanted to finish in the top half of the table. Then we hit a good run and became title contenders. Winning the championship would have made my summer even better. But now, the only thing that counts is the new season—and we’ve already made a good start.
How do you deal with defeats?
Not well. I’m very ambitious, and losses stay with me for a long time. Sometimes I don’t sleep well after a defeat. Especially if I’ve missed chances in a game, I can even get angry with myself. But the next day, I’m back on track and looking forward to the next match.
What do you need from a coach as a young player?
With Mehmet Sütcü, I have a very good coach. But not just him—the entire coaching staff is excellent, both professionally and personally. Communication and honesty are important to me, and the coaches provide that. I feel lucky to be at Vienna.
What do you do alongside your football career?
Football is really both my job and my hobby. Recently, I worked as an apprentice in a construction office, and I plan to enroll in a business school in September that will allow me to continue my sporting career. I’m currently looking into that.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
(Laughs) I don’t think that far ahead. But as a Real Madrid supporter and Ronaldo fan, I of course have dreams like every young player. One dream would be to play in the Champions League someday. That’s my goal, and that’s what I’m working toward.
