David Alaba

David Alaba
Name	David Alaba
Caption	Alaba with Austria in 2022
Birth date	24 June 1992
Birth place	Vienna, Austria
Height	1.80 m
Position	Defender, Midfielder
Currentclub	Real Madrid
Youthyears1	2001–2002
Youthclubs1	SV Aspern
Youthyears2	2002–2008
Youthclubs2	Austria Wien
Youthyears3	2008–2009
Youthclubs3	Bayern Munich
Years1	2009–2010
Clubs1	Bayern Munich II
Caps1	33
Years2	2010–2021
Clubs2	Bayern Munich
Caps2	281
Goals2	22
Years3	2021–
Clubs3	Real Madrid
Caps3	83
Nationalyears1	2007–2009
Nationalteam1	Austria U17
Nationalcaps1	20
Nationalyears2	2010
Nationalteam2	Austria U19
Nationalyears3	2009–2010
Nationalteam3	Austria U21
Nationalyears4	2009–
Nationalteam4	Austria
Nationalcaps4	105
Nationalgoals4	15
Club-update	23:00, 18 May 2024 (UTC)
Nationalteam-update	21 June 2024

David Alaba is an Austrian professional footballer who plays as a defender or midfielder for La Liga club Real Madrid and captains the Austria national team. Renowned for his versatility, technical skill, and leadership, he enjoyed a highly successful tenure with Bayern Munich before his move to Spain. A key figure for his national side, he is widely regarded as one of Austria's greatest ever players.

Early life and youth career

Born in Vienna to a Filipino mother and a Nigerian father who was a prince from Ogere, Alaba began his football journey with local club SV Aspern. His talent was quickly recognized, leading to a move to the academy of Austria Wien, one of the country's most prominent clubs. His performances at youth level, including for the Austria national under-17 football team, attracted the attention of several major European scouts. In 2008, he joined the youth setup of German giants Bayern Munich, a decision that would shape his future career path.

Club career

Alaba progressed through Bayern Munich II before making his senior debut for the first team under manager Louis van Gaal. He initially played in midfield but later solidified his role as a world-class left-back under Jupp Heynckes and Pep Guardiola. With Bayern Munich, he won numerous titles, including ten Bundesliga championships, two UEFA Champions League titles, and six DFB-Pokal cups. Key moments include scoring in the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final shootout and being named Austrian Footballer of the Year a record nine times. In 2021, he joined Real Madrid on a free transfer, winning the La Liga title and another UEFA Champions League in his first season, forming a formidable defensive partnership with Éder Militão.

International career

Alaba made his senior debut for the Austria national football team in 2009, becoming one of the youngest players ever to represent the country. He was appointed team captain in 2021, succeeding Julian Baumgartlinger. He has been a central figure in Austria's campaigns in UEFA Euro 2016 and UEFA Euro 2020, helping the team reach the knockout stages. He also played a pivotal role in their qualification for UEFA Euro 2024, scoring crucial goals. With over 100 caps, he is a fixture for the national side and a source of immense pride for Austrian football.

Style of play

Primarily a left-back during his peak at Bayern Munich, Alaba is celebrated for his exceptional versatility, having also excelled as a central defender, defensive midfielder, and central midfielder. His game is built upon superb technical ability, precise passing, and powerful shooting, evidenced by his success from free-kicks. Coaches like Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti have praised his intelligence, tactical understanding, and composure under pressure. His adaptability allows him to contribute significantly to both defensive solidity and attacking build-up play.

Personal life

Alaba holds Austrian citizenship and is fluent in German and English. He has a strong connection to his family's heritage, with roots in the Philippines and Nigeria. Outside of football, he is known for his interest in music and fashion. He maintains a relatively private life but is active in charitable initiatives, particularly those focused on supporting children and promoting social integration in Austria.

Career statistics

Club

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |- !Club !Season !League !National cup !Continental !Other !Total |- |rowspan="3"|Bayern Munich II |2009–10 |33||—||—||—||33 |- !colspan="2"|Total !33!!0!!0!!0!!33 |- |rowspan="12"|Bayern Munich |2010–11 |8||2||2||—||12 |- |2011–12 |30||6||13||—||49 |- |2012–13 |23||4||9||1||37 |- |2013–14 |28||5||10||1||44 |- |2014–15 |21||3||8||1||33 |- |2012= 2015-16 |2015