Before the rise of FC Red Bull Salzburg, there was Austria Salzburg — a proud, traditional club with deep roots in Austrian football. Known for its loyal fan base, dramatic highs and lows, and a historic presence in both domestic and European competitions, Austria Salzburg’s RR88 story is one of resilience, identity, and unwavering support. Despite the changes and challenges over the years, the spirit of Austria Salzburg remains as strong as ever.
A Historical Club Born in 1933
Austria Salzburg was founded in 1933 as SV Austria Salzburg, following the merger of two smaller local clubs. Throughout the mid-20th century, the club steadily climbed through the ranks of Austrian football, becoming a respected name in the Bundesliga by the 1970s.
The club was well known for its distinctive purple and white kits, strong community presence, and a tradition of developing local talent. Its rise to national prominence took decades, but it became a symbol of regional pride in Salzburg.
Domestic Achievements
Austria Salzburg reached the peak of its success in the 1990s, a golden era for the club. As of 2025, the historical honors for Austria Salzburg include:
- 3 Austrian Bundesliga titles: (1993–94, 1994–95, 1996–97)
- 4 times league runners-up
- 1 Austrian Supercup: (1995)
- 1 Austrian Cup final appearance: (2000, runners-up)
Their first Bundesliga title in the 1993–94 season was a landmark moment, marking them as champions of Austria for the first time in club history. They successfully defended their title the following season and remained a top-tier contender throughout the decade.
European Adventure: UEFA Cup Final
Austria Salzburg’s most iconic moment on the European stage came during the 1993–94 UEFA Cup (now Europa League), when the club made a sensational run all the way to the final.
After eliminating big names like Eintracht Frankfurt and Karlsruher SC, they faced Inter Milan in the final. Although they lost both legs 1–0, reaching the final was an incredible achievement for an Austrian club and remains one of the proudest chapters in the club’s history.
It brought international recognition and proved that Austria Salzburg could compete with some of the continent’s best clubs.
Total Goals Scored
Throughout their time in Austria’s top divisions and European competitions, Austria Salzburg has scored over 2,400 official goals. During their championship-winning seasons in the 1990s, they averaged 50–60 goals per league campaign, powered by stars like Heimo Pfeifenberger and Martin Amerhauser.
In European competitions, Austria Salzburg netted more than 40 goals across multiple UEFA Cup appearances — including memorable goals that carried them into the final in 1994.
The Red Bull Takeover and Rebirth
In 2005, the club’s identity underwent a dramatic change when Red Bull GmbH purchased and rebranded it as FC Red Bull Salzburg. The new ownership erased Austria Salzburg’s history and colors, creating a new identity focused on commercial goals.
This move sparked outrage among fans, many of whom refused to support the new club. In protest, loyal supporters founded a phoenix club — SV Austria Salzburg — in 2005, with the goal of preserving the original name, colors, and spirit of the historic club.
Starting from the bottom of the Austrian football pyramid, the reborn Austria Salzburg climbed back up through the leagues. In 2015, they briefly returned to the Austrian second division, proving the power of community and fan-driven football.
Final Thoughts
Austria Salzburg’s story is one of triumph, heartbreak, and ultimate resilience. From Bundesliga titles and a UEFA Cup final to the passionate rebirth of a fan-owned club, Austria Salzburg embodies the soul of football — history, pride, and the unbreakable bond between a club and its supporters.
While they may no longer play at the top level, Austria Salzburg remains a symbol of authenticity in the football world — and their legacy continues to inspire generations in the heart of Salzburg.
