Quiet leader Nici Seiwald ready to take the next step | OneFootball

Nicolas Seiwald has taken on more responsibility with every year at RB Leipzig, growing from a first-team regular into a leader. The 25-year-old was virtually ever-present in the RBL midfield last season. Now Nici wants to push on even more – and become a little more vocal in the process.

Growing in importance every year

When Nicolas Seiwald joined Leipzig from Red Bull Salzburg in summer 2023, he initially had to fight for his place. He made 21 Bundesliga appearances in his first season at the club, including six starts.

His progress since then has been clear for all to see. In his second year, he featured in 30 Bundesliga games, making 20 starts. The 2025/26 season then brought his real breakthrough, making 33 appearances and 31 starts.

The numbers also underline just how important Nici has become. With a pass completion rate of 90.3 percent and 345.1 kilometres covered, he ranked among the Bundesliga’s leading players in both categories last season – and played his part in RBL’s return to the Champions League.

World Cup provides even more confidence

Another career highlight came this summer as Nici represented Austria at the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico – his country’s first appearance at the tournament since 1998.

After Austria were knocked out by eventual world champions Spain in the round of 32, Nici returned to Leipzig with his focus firmly on what lies ahead. “I want to carry that good feeling forward,” said our number 13.

Under Martín Demichelis, Nici wants to remain a key figure in the RBL midfield. But his own ambitions now go beyond that.

Nici looking to find his voice

“I think I can still improve in that respect,” said Nici when asked about becoming more of a leader.

At 25, he is now one of the more experienced players in the squad. He wants to pass on that experience and “show the younger players the way”. This is not just through his performances. Nici also wants to communicate more on the pitch and in training and take an even more active leadership role.

That is particularly important in a midfield that has undergone several changes. Xaver Schlager has left RBL, Rocco Reitz is new to the squad, while Christoph Baumgartner and Assan Ouédraogo will miss the start of the season.

Nici believes the team are moving in the right direction: “There’s a good dynamic in the group. The mood in the dressing room is good. Now we just need to deliver on the pitch.”

Perhaps the usually quiet leader will become a little more vocal along the way.

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