Christoph Baumgartner

The “record man” with a big heart

Baumgartner is a mainstay in the offense, here as a double goal scorer against Sweden.(Bild: GEPA)

Christoph Baumgartner is a key player in Austria's offense and is particularly in demand at the European Championships. The 24-year-old Leipzig legionnaire has already experienced a lot in his young career, including the fastest international goal in the world. His biggest support: girlfriend Sandy, who played herself. 

Back home in the Waldviertel, in St. Leonhard am Hornerwald, three talented youngsters used to spend hours playing football in the garden: Christoph Baumgartner, brother Dominik, now Wolfsberg's captain and defensive boss, and cousin Stefan Feiertag, who plays for BW Linz.

"When they come home to visit, the joy is always great. Grandma Johanna serves up culinary delights. Christoph gets fried chicken or curd cheese dumplings with strawberry sauce," says Sandrine Sobotka, the team star's girlfriend, who is a special (player) woman.