Legendary German football figure Lothar Matthäus has delivered a scathing assessment of Austria’s footballing future, declaring the Österreichischer Fußball-Bund (ÖFB) lacks the talent to compete at the highest international level. In a series of comments that have sent shockwaves through Austrian football, Matthäus—now a media personality and former World Cup winner—made his remarks just days after Austria’s 2-1 defeat to Germany in a friendly match, a result that reignited debates about the ÖFB’s national team strategy.

Speaking in an Instagram post shared May 18 (five days ago), Matthäus—who spent parts of his career in Austria, including a stint managing SK Rapid Wien—criticized the ÖFB’s approach to player development and squad selection. His comments come as Austria prepares for Euro 2028 qualifying, with the team currently ranked 29th in FIFA’s latest rankings.

Matthäus’ Brutal Assessment: “ÖFB Has No World-Class Players”

In a direct response to questions about Austria’s footballing prospects, Matthäus stated unequivocally:

“The ÖFB currently has no world-class players. This is a fact. If you look at the current squad, there is no one who can consistently perform at the level required for the Champions League or major tournaments like the World Cup.”

His remarks were particularly pointed when discussing Conny Laimer, Austria’s most high-profile player, who currently plays for FC Bayern Munich. Matthäus, known for his no-nonsense approach, added:

“Laimer is talented, but he is not a world-class player. If he were German, he would already be in the national team. But in Austria? The ÖFB needs to be honest with themselves.”

Why This Matters: Matthäus’ comments carry significant weight. As a former FIFA World Cup winner (1990), UEFA European Championship winner (1980), and a player who spent time in Austria’s Bundesliga, his opinion is respected across European football. His criticism aligns with growing concerns among Austrian fans about the ÖFB’s ability to develop or attract elite talent.

Laimer’s Future: A German Pass?

Matthäus’ suggestion that Laimer—if German—would already be in the national team has sparked immediate speculation. Laimer, 24, has been capped 28 times for Austria (as of 2026) and is a key player for Bayern’s reserve team. His dual citizenship (Austrian and German, via his father) has been a topic of discussion for years.

In a 2023 interview, Matthäus had already hinted at this possibility:

“If Conny Laimer were to switch his allegiance to Germany, he would be a shoo-in for the squad. The DFB has a clear path for players like him—technical ability, work ethic, and leadership. The ÖFB? They don’t even have a clear plan.”

Key Context:

• Laimer’s Current Status: Still eligible for Austria, but his limited game time at Bayern (primarily with Bayern Munich II) has raised questions about his long-term prospects.
• ÖFB’s Development Crisis: Austria’s youth academies have struggled to produce players capable of competing in Europe’s top leagues, with many talents moving abroad (e.g., David Alaba, Marko Arnautović to England).
• Coaching Instability: The ÖFB has cycled through multiple managers in recent years, with Franco Foda currently in charge but facing pressure to deliver results.

Matthäus on Rapid Wien: “Too Many Egos”

Matthäus also weighed in on his former club, SK Rapid Wien, where he managed from 2001–2002. In the same Instagram post, he criticized the club’s culture:

“When too many people put their egos before the team, you lose. Rapid Wien has always been a club with heart, but lately, the focus has been on individual fame rather than collective success.”

This comment follows Rapid’s recent struggles in the Austrian Bundesliga, where they finished 6th in 2025–26—a far cry from their glory days under Matthäus. The club’s financial constraints and reliance on youth players have limited their ability to compete with Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig’s Austrian arm.

What’s Next for Austria?

Austria’s next major test comes in Euro 2028 qualifying, with their opening match scheduled for September 6, 2026, against Hungary in Vienna (19:45 UTC). The ÖFB will need to address:

• Player Development: Can they retain or attract talent like Laimer, or will more stars follow Alaba’s path to foreign leagues?
• Coaching Stability: Will Foda’s contract be extended, or will the ÖFB make another managerial change?
• Youth Pipeline: The ÖFB Academy has produced promising talents (e.g., Florian Grillitsch), but more investment is needed.

Expert Reaction: Analysts suggest Matthäus’ comments reflect a broader trend in Austrian football. “The ÖFB has been in denial for years,” said Markus Schlemmer, a former Austria international. “They need to either develop homegrown stars or be realistic about competing with Germany and Switzerland in the region.”

Key Takeaways

• Matthäus’ Verdict: Austria’s ÖFB lacks world-class players, and their squad is not competitive at the highest level.
• Laimer’s Dilemma: His future hinges on whether Austria can integrate him into their long-term plans—or if Germany becomes a more appealing option.
• Rapid Wien’s Decline: Club culture and financial limitations are hindering their ability to challenge for titles.
• Qualifying Pressure: Austria must improve quickly to avoid missing out on Euro 2028, where they will co-host with Germany, and Ukraine.

How to Follow

For updates on Austria’s national team and ÖFB developments, follow:

• ÖFB Official Website (for squad news and fixtures)
• SK Rapid Wien (for club updates)
• FIFA Rankings (for Austria’s latest position)

Next Checkpoint: Austria’s Euro 2028 qualifying opener vs. Hungary on September 6, 2026 (19:45 UTC). The ÖFB will need a strong performance to silence critics like Matthäus.

Your Thoughts: Does Austria have a realistic chance to compete at the next World Cup or European Championship? Share your predictions in the comments below.