Class, versatility, and consistency are traits in modern football no fan or pundit can overlook. This is why Austrian-born David Alaba is a name that’s spread far and wide across Europe — a rare gem with proof of good work on and off the pitch.
With a great spell at Bayern Munich and currently at Real Madrid, the 32-year-old has a unique ability to dominate in every role he plays. Defense? Midfield? He’s done it all. But that’s not all on the list of what makes David Alaba an interesting individual.
This article will explore other interesting aspects of the Austrian legend and tell how he grew to become one of the most accomplished players in Europe. Let’s dive in.
Alaba’s Early Years
Many fans try to trace David Alaba Austria’s roots but end up discovering a fascinating story. Born in Vienna in 1992 to a Nigerian father and a Filipino mother, he is one of the few footballers with a multicultural background. However, he chose Austria as his national team, with his first start at 17 years old making him the second-youngest national team player.
At 17 years, 7 months and 8 days old, Alaba became Bayern’s youngest player ever to feature in a competitive game. This was in a DFB-Pokal game on February 10, 2010, where he came on as a substitute in the 59th minute. He set up an assist to Franck Ribery with his second touch of the game, giving Bayern a 3-2 lead against SpVgg Greuther Furth.
However, despite an impressive start, he was loaned out in January 2011 to TSG 1899 Hoffenheim to conclude the season. He returned to Bayern in time for the 2011/2012 season and secured his place as a regular member of the squad.
An Amazing 13-years Spell at Bayern
Alaba became a Bayern regular in 2011-12, scoring his first Bundesliga goal that October. The Austrian left-back quickly became indispensable with a memorable converted penalty in the 2012 Champions League semi final shootout against Real Madrid. His breakthrough continued with a record-setting 25 seconds Champions League goal against Juventus in 2013 before winning the trophy that May.
The versatile defender dominated awards, winning the Austrian Footballer of the Year award six straight times while making UEFA’s Team of the Year three times. After transitioning to center-back in 2019-20, he led Bayern’s defense to another Champions League title, completing his second continental treble.
Despite his loyalty and 322 appearances, his departure in 2021 came after contract disputes. One of the major issues was Bayern’s failed attempt to swap him for Leroy Sané of Manchester City.
“After the second or third conversation [about the new contract], I got a call and was asked if I could imagine being included in a swap deal,” Alaba told the press. “That probably was a slap in the face…”
Alaba declined the offer and left as one of Bayern’s most decorated modern players.
The Real Madrid Call
After 13 trophy-filled years at Bayern, Alaba joined Real Madrid in 2021, taking the iconic #4 jersey vacated by Sergio Ramos. The Austrian defender made an instant impact by scoring in his first El Clásico. With this, he became only the second Austrian to do so after Hans Krankl in 1979. Then, he went on to help the Spanish giants secure the 2022 UEFA Super Cup with the opening goal against Frankfurt.
His Madrid career hit a major setback in December 2023 when he suffered a torn ACL against Villarreal. However, after 13 significant months of recovery, Alaba made his emotional return in January 2025 during a 4-1 victory over Las Palmas.
Injuries Setback
David Alaba’s injury stint first started as a player in Bayern Munich. It was during a friendly draw in international colors against Bosnia and Herzegovina. He suffered medial ligament damage to his left knee, causing him to miss the rest of the 2014/2015 Bundesliga season.
The next long-term injury he sustained was as a Real Madrid player in a La Liga match on December 17, 2023, against Villarreal. His left knee suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and he was helped off the pitch. Alaba required immediate surgery and a recovery period of 13 months before he was fit to play again.
Austria’s Leader On and Off the Pitch
David Alaba’s rise with the Austrian national team has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting with the youth squads, he broke into the senior team in 2009, becoming their second-youngest-ever player. Three years later, he scored his first goal in a World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan. Then, at only 19, he was voted Austrian Footballer of the Year in 2011 and won it again the following year.
Alaba became a key player in big moments, like his match-winning goal against Ireland in 2013 and his crucial penalty against Sweden in 2015, which secured Austria’s spot at Euro 2016. Though the tournament didn’t go their way, he kept leading the team, even captaining them for the first time in 2017.
His leadership shone at Euro 2020, where Austria made history by reaching the knockout stage. In 2023, he earned his 100th cap, but a long-term injury kept him out of Euro 2024—though he still supported the team as their “non-playing captain.”
Life Outside Football
Born to a Nigerian prince-turned-DJ and a Filipino nurse, Alaba grew up in a multicultural home with music always playing. His sister, Rose May, is a famous Austrian singer. Though he once dreamed of a music career himself, football won out. Still, he can play a few tunes on piano and guitar.
“I grew up with music. It’s a very important part of my family,” Alaba told GOAL.
Proud of his heritage, he’s worn the Filipino flag on his boots and celebrated Bayern’s 2013 Champions League win with a Nigerian flag. Alaba is a self-proclaimed Galatasaray fan since childhood thanks to Turkish friends in Vienna, and he loves Mexican food.
On the pitch, his spontaneous chair celebration during Real Madrid’s epic 2022 comeback went viral. Off the pitch, he’s big on giving back. So, he visits refugees in Germany and supports eco-friendly toilets in his father’s Nigerian hometown.
Like Alaba, you can have plenty of fun outside of your primary career and even make some money from such endeavors. These days, most things take place online and if you’re looking for inspiration, a good option to consider is playing games like slots, blackjack, roulette, and similar titles on casino sites.
For people in Hungary, these games are legal in your country and luckily, there are several operators offering them. However, before you begin playing, it will be worth it if you visit review sites to access a list of the top online casinos 2025 in Hungary. That will guide you on the operators worth your funds and time.
Final Thoughts
A conversation centered only on David Alaba stats doesn’t do justice to his professional life as a player. His life as explored in this article entertains other exciting information from his desire to be a musician as a kid to his current philanthropic works.
With a few years left in his already successful career, David Alaba has established himself as one of the best utility players in the world and he’s poised to do more.