RB Leipzig
RB Leipzig, officially RasenBallsport Leipzig e.V., commonly known as RB Leipzig, is a German professional football club based in Leipzig, Saxony. Founded in 2009 through the acquisition of fifth-tier club SSV Markranstädt by Red Bull GmbH, the club aimed to reach the Bundesliga within eight years. Managed by RasenBallsport Leipzig GmbH, RB Leipzig plays its home games at the Red Bull Arena and is nicknamed Die Roten Bullen (The Red Bulls).
In its inaugural season (2009–10), RB Leipzig dominated the NOFV-Oberliga Süd (V) and earned promotion to the Regionalliga Nord (IV). They went undefeated in the 2012–13 Regionalliga Nordost season and were promoted to the 3. Liga (III). The following season, they finished as runners-up in the 3. Liga, securing promotion to the 2. Bundesliga (II) after just one season. In 2016, RB Leipzig made headlines by securing Bundesliga promotion for the 2016–17 season, finishing as runners-up in their debut season.
RB Leipzig’s rapid rise continued with their first UEFA Champions League qualification in 2017 after finishing as Bundesliga runners-up. They reached the semi-finals of the 2019–20 UEFA Champions League, losing to Paris Saint-Germain. In domestic competitions, RB Leipzig won their first major title, the DFB-Pokal, in 2022 by defeating SC Freiburg, and secured a consecutive title the following season against Eintracht Frankfurt.
The club’s ascent has sparked controversy due to its heavy corporate influence, contrasting with the traditional ownership model of German sports clubs. However, some see RB Leipzig’s efforts as a positive move to solidify Bundesliga presence in the former East Germany, which had been uncertain since German reunification.
Achievement
Domestic
- Bundesliga:
- Runners-up: 2016–17, 2020–21
- Bundesliga (II):
- Runners-up: 2015–16
- Liga (III):
- Runners-up: 2013–14
- Regionalliga Nordost (IV):
- Winners: 2012–13
- NOFV-Oberliga Süd (V):
- Winners: 2009-10
Cup
- DFB-Pokal:
- Winners: 2021–22, 2022–23
- Runners-up: 2018–19, 2020–21
- DFL-Supercup:
- Winners: 2023
- Runners-up: 2022
- Saxony Cup:
- Winners: 2010–11, 2012–13
Notable Player
Yussuf Poulsen
- Position: Forward
- Club: RB Leipzig
- Nationality: Danish
- Career Highlights:
- Integral part of RB Leipzig since 2013.
- Helped the club achieve promotions from lower leagues to Bundesliga.
- Played a key role in RB Leipzig’s rise to prominence in German and European football.
- Known for his physicality, aerial ability, and goal-scoring prowess.
Emil Forsberg
- Position: Midfielder
- Club: RB Leipzig
- Nationality: Swedish
- Career Highlights:
- Joined RB Leipzig in 2015 from Malmö FF.
- Instrumental in RB Leipzig’s promotion to the Bundesliga.
- Known for his creative playmaking abilities and vision on the field.
- Played a crucial role in RB Leipzig’s journey to the Champions League.
- Regularly contributes with goals and assists for the club.