Burgstaller celebrates comeback: Hope for Rapid Vienna after victory!

Burgstaller celebrates comeback: Hope for Rapid Vienna after victory!

April 10, 2025 was a remarkable day for Austrian football, especially for Rapid Vienna. After a 1-0 away win in the quarter-final first leg of the Conference League against Djurgårdens IF, Guido Burgstaller celebrated an impressive comeback. Lukas Grgic, Burgstaller's teammate, was extremely positive about his return after the game. Grgic emphasized the player's great importance for the team and said that he felt much safer in the dressing room with Burgstaller. This highlights the role Burgstaller plays for the team, especially after a difficult period.

However, this victory was not only a triumph, but also a warning. Grgic warned of the danger of Djurgårdens IF and emphasized that the second leg had not yet been decided. Burgstaller, who returned from a dramatic fracture to the base of his skull as a result of a brutal attack in downtown Vienna, came on as a substitute in the 85th minute. His comeback is a significant sign for the team, which is on its way to the Conference League semi-finals. There could possibly be a duel against the top English club Chelsea, who previously beat Legia Warsaw 3-0.

The importance of comebacks in football

Comebacks, especially after serious injuries, are not uncommon in football and they shape the careers of many players. The old football adage “They never come back” is often true, but there are numerous examples of players who returned against expectations and even started a second career. The *Instagramization* of the comeback is evident these days in the form of hashtags like #comebackstronger, which symbolize a positive recovery.

A well-known example is Marc-André ter Stegen, who tore his patellar tendon and whose return to the goals of FC Barcelona and the national team is uncertain. The journey of many world-class players makes it clear that returnees often face a rocky road. After a ruptured Achilles tendon in 1965, Uwe Seeler returned to the pitch less than six months later and became captain of the national team again.

• Uwe Seeler: Achillessehnenriss, Rückkehr nach weniger als einem halben Jahr, Siegtor im WM-Qualifikationsspiel.
• Uli Hoeneß: Meniskusverletzung, Karriereende mit 27 Jahren aufgrund von Knieproblemen, später jüngster Bundesliga-Manager.
• Lothar Matthäus: Kreuzbandriss, Rückkehr bei Bayern München und Spiel bis 39 Jahre.
• Ronaldo (Il Fenomeno): Patellasehnenriss, Rückkehr nach 523 Tagen, WM-Titel 2002 mit Brasilien.

These comeback stories showcase the athletes' tireless spirit and resilience. One can also hope that Guido Burgstaller's comeback will usher in a new, successful stage in his career.