Our Journey: RB Leipzig's Rise to the Elite
From Fifth Division football, to DFB Pokal winners. In 15 years, RBL has exceeded everyone's expectations.
Rising up the ranks of professional football is a hard enough task. To do it in the way RB Leipzig was able to is practically unheard of. From the moment the Red Bulls came to be, becoming one of the most competitive teams in the Bundesliga was their objective.
Starting from the bottom
In 2009, we embarked on our incredible journey, starting in the German Fifth Division, the Northeast Oberliga. It took us just one season to finish top of the division.
Our first-ever squad was a blend of youthful prospects and seasoned veterans, setting the tone for our approach to team-building. This combination allowed us to learn and improve with every match.
We continued to climb after gaining access to the Regionalliga North (later renamed Northeastern Regionalliga). Over three seasons, we moved closer to the next level, becoming champions in the 2012/13 season and earning our place in the 3. Liga (Third Division).
The arrival of future Bundesliga stars like Yussuf Poulsen, Diego Demme and Joshua Kimmich was crucial to our success that season.
Reaching new heights
It took us only one season in the 3. Liga to secure promotion to the 2. Bundesliga (Second Division). The increased level of play required some adjustment, but we were ready.
With talents like Emil Forsberg, Marcel Sabitzer, Lukas Klostermann, Terrence Boyd, Marvin Compper and Rani Khedira joining our ranks, we finished fifth in our debut season (2014/15). This momentum carried us to a second-place finish in 2015/16, opening the doors to the Bundesliga (First Division).
A force to be reckoned with
Since we arrived in the Bundesliga, we’ve become a consistent contender for the "Meisterschale" - the German league title.
We’ve also started collecting silverware: Two time winner of the DFB-Pokal – the German Cup (2021/22, 2022/23) and a German Supercup (2023/24). We’ve also been runners-up in the German Cup (2018/19, 2020/21) and twice finished second in the Bundesliga (2016/17, 2020/21).
Our squad has featured incredible talent that have become staple names across European football, like Dominik Szoboszlai, Naby Keïta, Nordi Mukiele, Christopher Nkunku, Patrik Schick, and Ademola Lookman. Players that have left their mark in the Red Bull Arena and elsewhere.
Europe, our second home
Our success has opened doors to prestigious European tournaments. We’ve qualified for the UEFA Champions League seven times and played one season in the UEFA Europa League. This season, we entered the top 10 in the UEFA coefficient ranking, reflecting our performances in European competitions over the past five years.
Our quest for European glory continues. Semifinal appearances in both the Champions League (2019/20) and Europa League (2021/2022) show our progress and determination.
Young talent at our core
How we’ve approached our constant development centers in creating the big stars of tomorrow. A long list of now-established names have RB Leipzig legacy in their resumes… and the list keeps getting longer!
Our striking duo of Loïs Openda and Benjamin Sesko sent shockwaves through the Bundesliga last season. At the same time, our defense has at its center reliable and superb centerbacks in Castello Jr. and Mohamed Simakan.
With talents like Assan Ouédraogo, El Chadaille Bitshiabu, Nicolas Seiwald, and Maarten Vandevoordt in the 2024/25 squad, RB Leipzig’s values centered around promoting the best talents of the next generation are guaranteed.
Our Unique Journey
In just 15 years, RB Leipzig has risen from the depths of German football to becoming a perennial contender in the Bundesliga and a strong presence in European competitions. Our journey is a testament to hard work, talent, and an unyielding spirit.
Here’s to more milestones and memories as we continue to make history together!
