Leader, artist, mouthpiece: Raumi is RBL's all-rounder | OneFootball

He rolls up his sleeves and brings our team together. He sprints up and down the left flank and even scores goals. At the same time, he always has open ears and finds the right words.

Who does that describe? Well, David Raum, of course. Our number 22 has been performing outstandingly since the summer.

David Raum is named captain

Over the past three years, David has developed into one of our strongest leaders and, in mid-August, was appointed as new RBL club captain and successor to Willi Orbán by Ole Werner.

"He embodies much of what we hope to as a team: this hunger, ability to develop and aggression, which I really like. From our perspective, the way he operates makes him destined to take on this role," justified our head coach, following his decision.

David himself tackled this new challenge from two fronts, with both fire in his belly but also humility. "It is a huge responsibility that I will shoulder with full determination and immense passion", said Raum ahead of the season.

His gesture to the RBL fans

His tenure could not have got off to a better start - Raumi led RBL out onto the field as captain for the first time in the DFB-Pokal opening round, as the side saw off SV Sandhausen with a 4-2 victory.

After the game, the travelling fans had a song for Raum in response to his new role: "David, buy us a drink!"

Raumi did not have to be asked twice and donated 1,000 litres of free beer to mark his first home match as captain, as his team defeated 1. FC Heidenheim 2-0. A remarkable gesture!

Horse-like durability and magic in his boots

David is also more than making his mark on the field of play. RBL have undertaken 18 competitive fixtures this season so far, with the left-footer starting each and every one.

Across 15 Bundesliga matchdays, he has featured for 1,327 of a possible 1,350 minutes, while he has played the duration of each round of the DFB-Pokal.

With 1,597 minutes on the pitch under his belt, he is second only to Willi (1,600). On top of that, David has covered the most ground, running 164.74 kilometres this season.

His output in terms of goal contributions can certainly not go without mentioning for a left-back. Raumi has registered five already this term (two goals, three assists), including a wondrous direct free-kick against 1. FC Köln and a converted penalty during the 6-0 thrashing of Eintracht Frankfurt.

First goal for Germany - World Cup starting spot in his sights

There has also been reason for Raum to celebrate in the colours of the Germany national team. On 10th October, David netted his next direct free-kick in World Cup qualifying to set the ball rolling against Luxembourg (final score 4-0).

At Hoffenheim's stadium, his old stomping ground, the 27-year-old scored his first Germany goal as he received his 31st cap.

"Sometimes you just get that feeling when you see the free-kick awarded. I had that feeling. Before taking, I just smiled again, got composed, and scored it. It's such a great feeling," he reported joyfully.

Now, David is dreaming of making it to the coming year's World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. Thanks to his impressive performances at both club and international level, he will have justified hopes of being deployed as Germany's starting left-back for the tournament.

Motivator, mouthpiece and go-between

David takes on a number of roles as captain, both on and off the field of play. He pushes and motivates others, but also openly addresses grievances, touches on sensitive issues when necessary, and offers a sympathetic ear to everyone.

"Everyone can be open with me and come for a chat. I particularly try to put my arm round the players who are perhaps more reserved", he reports.

He feels appreciated in his position as RBL captain: "The recognition and standing I have in my role now have done me good. We are shaping something of a new era currently and I have been granted the opportunity to be at the forefront of that. I am simply enjoying that chance’, he confirmed.

David's words to the fans...

The final words to you, the fans, this calendar year have, of course, also come from the skipper. David took to the microphone following the 3-1 loss against Bayer 04 Leverkusen to address the supporters.

"We have played incredibly well over the course of the season so far, especially so here at home with all of you cheering us on. We are on the right track to achieve our goals and you all help us enormously along the way", he said to the crowd.

We want to pick up in 2026 where we left off: ""Rest well everyone and begin the new year in good stead. Then, we will need you all again as we go in search of Champions League football in the new year. Thank you so much for your support! That is not to be taken for granted, which all of us in the team appreciate." 

Powerful words as usual from an impressive guy. Thanks, Raumi!

Und 2026 wollen wir genau dort weitermachen: „Erholt euch gut, kommt gut ins neue Jahr – und dann brauchen wir euch alle wieder. Lasst uns im neuen Jahr wieder zusammen in die Champions League. Vielen Dank für eure Unterstützung, das ist nicht selbstverständlich und das wissen wir alle in der Mannschaft sehr zu schätzen.“

Gewohnt starke Worte eines echt starken Typen. Danke, Raumi!

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