PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Xaver Schlager |
| Date of Birth | 28 September 1997 (Age: 28) |
| Place of Birth | Linz, Austria |
| Nationality | Austrian |
| Height | 1.74 m / 5 ft 8 in |
| Weight | 78 kg / 172 lbs |
| Position | Central Midfielder / Defensive Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Squad Number | #21 (Nottingham Forest) |
| Current Club | Nottingham Forest |
| Previous Clubs | Red Bull Salzburg, VfL Wolfsburg, RB Leipzig |
| International Caps | 55 |
| International Goals | 4 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2028 (with option for 2029) |
| Market Value | €10M |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup. Xaver Schlager, the 28-year-old midfielder from Austria who had fought back from two career-threatening cruciate ligament injuries, was named in Austria’s 26-man squad for the tournament. The boy who had come through Red Bull Salzburg’s academy, who had played under Oliver Glasner at Wolfsburg, who had established himself as vice-captain at RB Leipzig, was now on football’s grandest stage.
Schlager started all four of Austria’s matches at the tournament, playing every minute as the nation advanced to the Round of 32. His performances in the heart of Austria’s midfield were a testament to his resilience—just two years earlier, a cruciate ligament rupture had ruled him out of Euro 2024.
Just weeks after the World Cup, on July 22, 2026, Schlager completed a free transfer to Nottingham Forest, reuniting with his former Wolfsburg manager Oliver Glasner. The boy from Linz who had been told his Leipzig contract would not be renewed, who had rejected interest from Juventus and Saudi Arabia, had chosen a new challenge in the Premier League.
Origins
Xaver Schlager was born on 28 September 1997 in Linz, Austria. He began his youth career at SC St. Valentin before joining the FC Red Bull Salzburg Academy in 2011.
His professional career began at FC Liefering, Salzburg’s farm team, where he made 46 appearances between 2015 and 2017, scoring 7 goals. He signed his first contract with Red Bull Salzburg in 2016 and made his Austrian Bundesliga debut on May 10, 2016, against SV Grödig. He also captained the Salzburg U19 team that won the 2016/17 UEFA Youth League.
His international career began with Austria’s youth teams. He represented Austria at U16, U17, U19, and U21 levels before making his senior debut in March 2018. He has since earned 55 caps for Austria, scoring 4 international goals.
The Forge
Red Bull Salzburg (2016–2019):
Schlager made 67 league appearances for Salzburg, scoring 7 goals, and won four Austrian Bundesliga titles with the club. His performances in midfield attracted attention from across Europe.
VfL Wolfsburg (2019–2022):
On 26 June 2019, Schlager signed for VfL Wolfsburg. He established himself alongside Maximilian Arnold in central midfield and worked under Oliver Glasner for two seasons. An ankle injury disrupted his debut campaign, but he recovered to become one of Wolfsburg’s most important players.
A cruciate ligament rupture suffered against Leipzig early in the 2021/22 season interrupted his rise. He underwent surgery and remained sidelined until February 2022. He nevertheless returned strongly enough to earn a move to Leipzig.
RB Leipzig (2022–2026):
Schlager joined RB Leipzig in the summer of 2022 for approximately €12 million. He quickly became an important part of Marco Rose’s Leipzig midfield, known for his energetic pressing, physicality, and willingness to contest virtually every midfield duel.
His first Leipzig season was interrupted by a syndesmosis tear that ended his campaign prematurely in March 2023. After re-establishing himself and forming an effective partnership with Amadou Haidara, he suffered another ACL rupture in May 2024—an injury that ended what Leipzig sporting director Rouven Schröder described as a spectacular campaign and ruled him out of Austria’s European Championship squad.
Schlager fought his way back once again and reclaimed a starting place during the 2024/25 campaign. He played more than 2,000 minutes in all competitions for Leipzig in the 2025/26 season, suggesting that his fitness issues were behind him. In his final season, he was named David Raum’s vice-captain.
In February 2026, RB Leipzig confirmed that Schlager would not extend his expiring contract. He made 108 competitive appearances for Leipzig, scoring 5 goals, and won the DFB-Pokal in 2023 and the German Super Cup. In his final home game for Leipzig, he scored against St. Pauli—a fitting farewell.
Nottingham Forest (2026–Present):
On July 22, 2026, Schlager completed a free transfer to Nottingham Forest, signing a two-year deal with an option for a further year. He became Oliver Glasner’s first signing since the manager’s appointment at the club. Schlager said: “It is a great honour to join Nottingham Forest. The club has a long tradition and a great history. I wanted a new challenge and I’m looking forward to working with Oliver again.”
International Career:
Schlager made his senior Austria debut in March 2018 against Northern Ireland, scoring in a 2-1 UEFA Nations League victory. He has since earned 55 caps for Austria, scoring 4 goals. At the 2026 World Cup, he started all four of Austria’s matches.
The Anatomy of His Game
Xaver Schlager is a 28-year-old central midfielder defined by his energetic pressing, physicality, and ball-winning ability. Standing at 1.74 meters, he is a combative presence in the centre of the pitch.
In Possession:
Schlager is a composed passer with strong technical ability. He is capable of carrying the ball forward and progressing play down the pitch. His ball-carrying ability and technical quality complement his physicality. Across 150 Bundesliga appearances, he has scored 7 goals and provided 14 assists. Lothar Matthäus has compared him in style to Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Out of Possession:
Defensively, Schlager is a tough, combative ball-winner. His energetic pressing and willingness to contest virtually every midfield duel were key to his success at Leipzig under Marco Rose. He established himself as one of the most well-rounded midfielders in the Bundesliga. His leadership and ability to stand up for teammates have been noted as key qualities.
Psychological Edge:
Schlager’s mental resilience is his defining quality. He has overcome two separate cruciate ligament injuries, in 2021 and 2024, which kept him out for a combined 364 days. His ability to fight his way back and reclaim a starting place at Leipzig demonstrates his determination. He is described as an “unflinchingly honest character” who puts emphasis on respect and manners, making him a strong positive influence on younger players. He is a voracious reader with an inquisitive mind.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bundesliga (RB Leipzig) | 27+ | 2,000+ | — | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 (Austria) | 4 | 360 | 0 | — |
| TOTAL | 31+ | 2,360+ | — | — |
TABLE B: Career (League)
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–2017 | FC Liefering | Austrian 2. Liga | 46 | 7 |
| 2016–2019 | Red Bull Salzburg | Austrian Bundesliga | 67 | 7 |
| 2019–2022 | VfL Wolfsburg | Bundesliga | 69 | 3 |
| 2022–2026 | RB Leipzig | Bundesliga | 81 | 4 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 343+ | 26 |
TABLE C: International Record (2018–2026)
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Friendlies/Qualifiers | 43+ | 4 |
| UEFA Nations League | — | — |
| UEFA Euro 2020 | — | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 4 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 55 | 4 |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Born | Linz, Austria |
| 2016 | Senior Debut | Red Bull Salzburg |
| 2018 | Austria Debut | vs Northern Ireland |
| 2019 | Wolfsburg Move | Transferred to Bundesliga |
| 2021 | First ACL Rupture | Sidelined for 155 days |
| 2022 | Leipzig Move | €12M transfer |
| 2023 | DFB-Pokal Winner | With RB Leipzig |
| 2024 | Second ACL Rupture | Ruled out of Euro 2024 |
| 2026 | World Cup Selection | Started all 4 matches |
| 2026 | Nottingham Forest Move | Free transfer |
What these figures reveal is a player of significant experience and resilience. Schlager has accumulated over 340 professional appearances by age 28, with a career path that has taken him from Austria to Germany and now England. His 55 international caps and World Cup experience reflect his importance to Austria. His two ACL injuries have tested his resilience, but he has consistently fought back to the highest level.
The Present Tense
Xaver Schlager is 28 years old, entering the prime of his career. He has joined Nottingham Forest, an Austrian international with 55 caps, and a 2026 World Cup participant.
The Nottingham Forest Story:
Schlager joined Nottingham Forest on a free transfer on July 22, 2026, signing a two-year deal with an option for a further year. He is reunited with Oliver Glasner, under whom he played at Wolfsburg from 2019 to 2021. His market value is estimated at €10M.
The World Cup Campaign:
Schlager started all four of Austria’s World Cup matches. Austria advanced to the Round of 32, their first knockout appearance at a World Cup since 1954, before being eliminated.
International Record:
Schlager has earned 55 caps for Austria since his debut in 2018, scoring 4 international goals.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Xaver Schlager is defined by his resilience and his character. He is described as an “unflinchingly honest character” who always gives a straight answer to a straight question. At Leipzig, he put particular emphasis on respect and manners, making him a strong positive influence on younger players.
He is a voracious reader with an inquisitive mind. He has an input in two different businesses: a restaurant in Langenhart, close to where he grew up in Austria, and a party bus company which he started with two brothers who had previously driven the team buses at Red Bull Salzburg.
His injury history is a significant part of his story. Two cruciate ligament injuries, in 2021 and 2024, checked his momentum. Yet he fought back each time, earning the respect of teammates and coaches. At the end of his final season at Leipzig, he said: “I am at an age where I can experience something new… Not every person is so privileged and has a job like this.” He also made clear: “I will not go to Saudi Arabia, I am too young for that.”
The Verdict from the Camp
Lothar Matthäus
, Germany legend:
Since Leon Goretzka is leaving Munich, Schlager could be a good fit. He has international experience, and has known the Bundesliga for years. In Leipzig, he’s not just responsible for the physical work, but also contributes to the team’s attacking play.
Marcel Schäfer
, RB Leipzig sporting director:
We have really worked intensively over a long period of time and in several rounds to keep Xaver tied to us. Nevertheless, we accept and respect his decision to reorient himself.
Xaver Schlager
, on his Leipzig departure:
I feel very comfortable at RB Leipzig and in the team. Therefore, I really appreciate how the club and especially the sporting management have tried to keep me. Ultimately, however, my desire was stronger to experience and try something different. It is not a decision against RBL, but for something new.
Schlager
, on his future club:
I am at an age where I can experience something new… I will not go to Saudi Arabia, I am too young for that.
Where Next?
Xaver Schlager is 28 years old and entering the prime of his career. He has joined Nottingham Forest, an Austrian international with 55 caps, and a World Cup participant.
For Austria
, Schlager is a key player for the future. At 28, he has already earned 55 caps and started all four matches at the 2026 World Cup. He will be expected to continue contributing to the national team in future tournaments, including Euro 2028.
For Nottingham Forest
, Schlager is a valuable signing. He joins on a free transfer with a market value of €10M. He provides leadership, experience, and a proven track record in the Bundesliga and international football. He is expected to fill the void left by Elliot Anderson’s departure.
His career trajectory is one of resilience—from Red Bull Salzburg to Wolfsburg, from Leipzig to Nottingham Forest, from two ACL injuries to a World Cup campaign. He has overcome significant injury setbacks and has established himself as one of Austria’s most important players. His reunion with Oliver Glasner at Nottingham Forest represents a new chapter in his career.
The boy from Linz who captained Salzburg’s U19 team to Youth League glory, who fought back from two cruciate ligament injuries, who started all four matches at a World Cup, who chose a new challenge in England over a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia—Xaver Schlager’s journey is a story of resilience, integrity, and the pursuit of a dream on football’s greatest stage.
