History of RB Leipzig in Timeline
RB Leipzig, officially RasenBallsport Leipzig, is a German professional football club founded in 2009 by Red Bull GmbH. They acquired the playing rights of SSV Markranstädt with the goal of reaching the Bundesliga within eight years, a target they achieved. The club's professional operations are managed by RasenBallsport Leipzig GmbH. RB Leipzig plays its home games at the Red Bull Arena and is known as Die Roten Bullen (The Red Bulls).
1913: VfB Leipzig German Championship
In 1913, VfB Leipzig was the last team from Leipzig to win the German championship.
1994: Last Time a Leipzig Team Played in the Bundesliga
In 1994, was the last time a team from Leipzig played in the Bundesliga.
1998: Last Time a Leipzig Team Played in a Professional League
In 1998, was the last time a team from Leipzig played in a professional league.
2005: Red Bull buys club in Salzburg
In 2005, Red Bull bought a club in Salzburg, Austria, and renamed it Red Bull Salzburg. This action was aimed at establishing a leading branded team in Austria, similar to Red Bull's existing franchises.
2006: Red Bull's First Attempt to Enter German Football
In 2006, Red Bull GmbH first attempted to enter German football by investing in FC Sachsen Leipzig, but the deal was vetoed by the DFB due to concerns over company influence and fan protests.
2006: Red Bull Arena as Former FIFA World Cup Venue
In 2006, the Zentralstadion (renamed Red Bull Arena) was a former FIFA World Cup venue.
2006: Zentralstadion as FIFA World Cup Venue
In 2006, the Zentralstadion was a venue for the FIFA World Cup.
2007: Red Bull's Football Commitment
In 2007, Dietrich Mateschitz commented on Red Bull GmbH's football commitment, stating they were "not good stars buyers".
2007: Red Bull Plans to Invest in Fortuna Düsseldorf
In 2007, Red Bull GmbH made plans to invest in Fortuna Düsseldorf. The plans were met with protests from club supporters and legal difficulties, leading to the rejection of the offer.
2007: Red Bull co-founder explains involvement in sports
In 2007, Red Bull co-founder Mateschitz explained that when the company is involved in sports, it is integrated and takes responsibility for the sports performance, aiming to build the brand and the sport's identity.
2008: Oberliga as Fifth Tier
Since 2008 the Oberliga was the fifth tier in the German football league system.
May 2009: RasenBallsport Leipzig e.V. Founded
On May 19, 2009, RasenBallsport Leipzig e.V. was founded, with all seven founding members being employees or agents of Red Bull GmbH.
June 2009: Red Bull Reserves Naming Right to Zentralstadion
In June 2009, Red Bull GmbH reserved the naming right to the Zentralstadion, preventing its sale to another company.
June 2009: NOFV Approves Transfer of Playing Right
On June 13, 2009, the North East German Football Association (NOFV) approved the transfer of the playing right, giving RB Leipzig one year to complete its stable of junior teams.
July 2009: Friendly matches canceled for security reasons
In July 2009, RB Leipzig had to cancel three friendly matches for security reasons due to potential violence.
July 2009: First Friendly and Competitive Matches
In July 2009, RB Leipzig played its first friendly match against SV Bannewitz, winning 5–0. The club played its first competitive match in the Saxony Cup against VfK Blau–Weiß Leipzig, also winning 5-0.
August 2009: First League Match
On August 8, 2009, RB Leipzig played its first league match away to FC Carl Zeiss Jena II, ending in a 1–1 draw.
August 2009: Riots at first league match against Carl Zeiss Jena II
On August 8, 2009, at its first league match, away against Carl Zeiss Jena II, riots started when the police dissolved a blockade preventing the player bus from entering the stadium. The player bus was attacked, and the team was insulted and spat at.
September 2009: First Defeat
On September 13, 2009, RB Leipzig suffered its first defeat in a match against Budissa Bautzen.
November 2009: Elimination from Saxony Cup
On November 13, 2009, RB Leipzig was eliminated from the Saxony Cup after a defeat against FSV Zwickau in the quarterfinals.
2009: Red Bull Contacts Saxony Football Association
Early in 2009, Red Bull GmbH contacted the Saxony Football Association (SFV) about the procedure to establish a new club in Saxony.
2009: Dietmar Beiersdorfer Assumes Position
In 2009, Dietmar Beiersdorfer assumed the position of chairman.
2009: Founding and Youth Academy Strategy
In 2009, Dietrich Mateschitz expressed his hope that the majority of the professional team would come from the club's own academy.
2009: RB Leipzig as a "marketing club"
In 2009, German economist Dr. Tobias Kollman described RB Leipzig as a "marketing club" with clear economic goals, viewing it as the first of its kind in Germany and a "sports political earthquake".
2009: Kölmel on Red Bull's Investment
In 2009, Michael Kölmel considered Red Bull GmbH a huge opportunity for Leipzig, assuming other football clubs would also benefit from RB Leipzig's creation.
2009: RB Leipzig Founded
In 2009, RasenBallsport Leipzig was founded by Red Bull GmbH, purchasing the playing rights of SSV Markranstädt with the goal of reaching the Bundesliga within eight years.
2009: Red Bull co-founder comments on sports commitment
In 2009, Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz said that the sports commitment of Red Bull GmbH was directly involved in the sports operations.
2009: Sachsen Leipzig Unable to Finance Youth Academy
In 2009, Sachsen Leipzig could no longer finance its youth academy and subsequently sold its A to D junior teams to RB Leipzig.
2009: Public Opinion on Red Bull's Investment
In 2009, a survey by the Leipziger Volkszeitung indicated that over 70% of Leipzig residents welcomed Red Bull GmhH's investment in local football.
2009: Responses to the "Plastic Club" Label
In 2009, sporting director Joachim Krug characterized RB Leipzig as "a newly founded club" with high ambitions, while supporters displayed banners saying "Let this tradition begin" during competitive matches.
2009: Protests against RB Leipzig
In 2009, supporters of other Leipzig football clubs, such as Lokomotive Leipzig and Sachsen Leipzig, protested against the creation of RB Leipzig, fearing a decline of traditional fan culture and a commercialization of football in the region.
2009: Registration of first official fanclubs
In 2009, the first two RB Leipzig fanclubs, L.E Bulls and Bulls Club, were registered as official fanclubs.
January 2010: Andreas Saldo Leaves the Club
In January 2010, Andreas Saldo left the club and the position was assumed by Dietmar Beiersdorfer.
January 2010: Signing of Timo Rost
In January 2010, RB Leipzig signed the experienced midfielder and 2. Bundesliga player Timo Rost from Energie Cottbus.
March 2010: New name approved by the City of Leipzig
On 25 March 2010, the proposed new name for Zentralstadion was approved by the City of Leipzig. Red Bull GmbH then acquired the naming right, renaming the Zentralstadion to "Red Bull Arena" on 1 July 2010.
May 2010: New crest accepted by SFV
In May 2010, RB Leipzig proposed a new crest, which was eventually accepted by the Saxony Football Association (SFV). The crest was slightly different from the crests used by other Red Bull football teams.
May 2010: Promotion to Regionalliga Nord
On the 25th matchday in May 2010, RB Leipzig secured first place in the 2009–10 NOFV–Oberliga Süd, earning promotion to the 2010–11 Regionalliga Nord.
June 2010: Tomas Oral Announced as New Head Coach
On June 18, 2010, Tomas Oral was announced as the new head coach.
July 2010: Zentralstadion renamed "Red Bull Arena"
On 1 July 2010, Red Bull GmbH acquired the naming right and the Zentralstadion was renamed "Red Bull Arena". The inauguration was held on 24 July 2010, in a friendly match against Schalke 04.
July 2010: Opening of the Red Bull Arena
On July 24, 2010, the opening of the Red Bull Arena was celebrated with a friendly match against FC Schalke 04. RB Leipzig lost 1-2. On July 30, 2010, the team played its last game at the Stadion am Bad, winning 2-1 against Hertha BSC.
August 2010: Draw against Türkiyemspor Berlin
In August 2010, RB Leipzig started the 2010–11 Regionalliga season with a series of draws, the first one on 6 August 2010 against Türkiyemspor Berlin in front of 4,028 spectators at the Red Bull Arena.
December 2010: Plans for training center agreed to
On 15 December 2010, the City of Leipzig agreed to RB Leipzig's plans to invest 30 million euros in a training center comprising six pitches, offices and a youth academy at Cottaweg.
2010: Dietrich Mateschitz's Comments on Transfer Policy
In 2010, Dietrich Mateschitz stated in an interview with Sportnet that Red Bull GmbH tries to use brains over simply buying players and that he is "not Abramovich".
2010: Hertzsch ended his professional career
In 2010, Ingo Hertzsch ended his professional career after the 2010–11 season, but went on to join the reserve team, RB Leipzig II, and the RB Leipzig business operation.
2010: Rosenthal on RB Leipzig's Economic Impact
In 2010, Leipzig deputy mayor Heiko Rosenthal called RB Leipzig the "best thing" that could happen to the economic development of Leipzig.
2010: Finished First Season in Regionalliga
In 2010, RB Leipzig finished its first season in the Regionalliga in 4th place, missing out on promotion.
2010: Blogger Matthias Kiessling covered RB Leipzig
In 2010, blogger Matthias Kiessling began continually covering RB Leipzig.
2010: RB Leipzig's Tradition
In 2010, manager Dieter Gudel said RB Leipzig could well write "Tradition since 2009" on its pennants.
2010: Planned Move to Zentralstadion
In 2010, the plans were for RB Leipzig to move to the Zentralstadion, after advancing to the Regionalliga.
February 2011: Thomas Linke Employed
In February 2011, Thomas Linke was employed as a sporting director.
March 2011: Construction began on training center
In March 2011, construction began on the first phase of RB Leipzig's training center.
May 2011: Peter Pacult Announced as New Head Coach
In May 2011, Peter Pacult from Rapid Wien was announced as the new head coach for the 2011–12 season on 4 May 2011. Simultaneously, sporting director Thomas Linke was released from his position.
June 2011: Won 2010–11 Saxony Cup
In June 2011, RB Leipzig won the 2010–11 Saxony Cup, defeating Chemnitzer FC 1–0 in the final on 1 June 2011 at the Red Bull Arena. This victory marked the club's first title and qualified them for the 2011–12 DFB-Pokal.
June 2011: Saxony Cup final sets attendance record
The 2011 Saxony Cup final between RB Leipzig and Chemnitzer FC on 1 June 2011 at the Red Bull Arena was attended by 13,958 spectators, setting a new record for a Saxony Cup final.
July 2011: First appearance in the DFB-Pokal
On 29 July 2011, RB Leipzig had its first appearance in the 2011–12 DFB-Pokal. The club won 3–2 victory over VfL Wolfsburg. The 31,212 spectators gathered marked a club attendance record for the Red Bull Arena.
July 2011: DFB-Pokal Debut
On 29 July 2011, RB Leipzig made its debut in the DFB-Pokal, defeating Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg 3–2 after a hat-trick by Daniel Frahn.
August 2011: First section of training center opened
In August 2011, the first section of RB Leipzig's training center was opened.
October 2011: DFB-Pokal second-round game sets a new record attendance
On 25 October 2011, RB Leipzig was defeated 1–0 by FC Augsburg in the second-round game of the DFB-Pokal. This set a new record attendance of 34,341 spectators.
2011: Foundation of Fanprojekt Leipzig
In 2011, Fanprojekt Leipzig was founded by initiative of the city of Leipzig and is run by Outlaw gGmbH.
2011: Hoeneß on RB Leipzig's Model
In 2011, Uli Hoeneß commented that the model chosen by RB Leipzig could be prosperous but not necessarily, stating that what RB Leipzig was capable of offering its supporters would be decisive.
2011: Praise for Red Bull's Investment
In 2011, blogger Matthias Kiessling suggested Red Bull GmbH had given Saxony a more permanent investment than anything since the fall of the Berlin Wall, and Leipzig mayor Burkhard Jung described Red Bull GmbH's involvement as an "incredible gift to the city".
2011: Benefits for Leipzig Football Clubs
In 2011, representatives of several Leipzig football clubs described how their clubs had benefited from RB Leipzig's founding. Sachsen Leipzig sold its junior teams to RB Leipzig to provide the players a future, SSV Markranstädt used Red Bull Leipzig's financial compensation to acquire players, and ESV Delitzsch built an artificial turf pitch with floodlights.
2011: Previous Record From Saxony Cup Final
In 2011, the previous record was set from Saxony Cup Final.
January 2012: Report on ultra group Red Aces
In January 2012, Leipziger Internet Zeitung reported on the appearance of ultra group Red Aces, who saw themselves as "Rasenballisten" and aimed to contribute to the supporter base beyond Red Bull GmbH.
February 2012: Largest Win in Club History
In February 2012, RB Leipzig achieved the largest win in club history, defeating SV Wilhelmshaven 8–2 on 19 February 2012.
2012: Qualified for the Saxony Cup Final
In 2012, RB Leipzig qualified for the Saxony Cup Final.
2012: Rangnick on Advantages of a New Club
In 2012, Ralf Rangnick spoke of the advantages of working in a new club without tradition, citing the ability to implement structural changes and staffing decisions quickly and flexibly.
2012: Ralf Rangnick Introduced as New Sporting Director
In 2012, Ralf Rangnick was introduced as the new sporting director, replacing head coach Peter Pacult with Alexander Zorniger.
May 2013: Secured First Place in Regionalliga Nordost
In May 2013, RB Leipzig secured first place in the 2012–13 Regionalliga Nordost on 7 May 2013, after FC Carl Zeiss Jena lost a match against Berliner AK 07.
May 2013: Won 2012–13 Saxony Cup
On 15 May 2013, RB Leipzig won the 2012–13 Saxony Cup, defeating Chemnitzer FC 4–2, setting a new record for a Saxony Cup final with 16,864 spectators. This qualified the club for the 2013–14 DFB-Pokal.
May 2013: Saxony Cup final attendance record broken
The 2013 Saxony Cup final between RB Leipzig and Chemnitzer FC on 15 May 2013 at the Red Bull Arena was attended by 16,864 spectators, breaking the attendance record that was set two years earlier.
June 2013: Signed Players for 3. Liga Season
In June 2013, RB Leipzig signed several players, including Anthony Jung, Tobias Willers, Joshua Kimmich, André Luge, Christos Papadimitriou, Yussuf Poulsen and Denis Thomalla, in preparation for their first season in the 3. Liga.
July 2013: First Match in 3. Liga
In July 2013, RB Leipzig won its first match in the 3. Liga, defeating Hallescher FC 1–0 on 19 July 2013.
July 2013: Riots after away match against Hallescher FC
On July 19, 2013, at an away match against Hallescher FC, the player bus was again a target. Riots then started after the match when home supporters tried to break through a security perimeter to approach away supporters.
August 2013: Eliminated from DFB-Pokal
In August 2013, RB Leipzig was eliminated by FC Augsburg in the first round of the 2013–14 DFB-Pokal on 2 August 2013, losing 0–2, ending a year-long undefeated streak.
October 2013: Defeated 1. FC Heidenheim
In October 2013, RB Leipzig defeated 1. FC Heidenheim 2–0 on 5 October 2013, climbing to third place in the league.
November 2013: Protest during home match against Hansa Rostock
On November 23, 2013, during the home match against Hansa Rostock, the away supporters protested by being entirely absent for the first seven minutes of the match and then filled the guest block in large numbers.
2013: Warning of threat to Bundesliga
In 2013, Borussia Dortmund chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke and Eintracht Frankfurt chairman Heribert Bruchhagen warned that clubs backed by major companies or financially strong patrons could pose a threat to the entire Bundesliga, potentially displacing traditional clubs.
2013: Mateschitz on Tradition and RB Leipzig
In 2013, Dietrich Mateschitz characterized the only difference between RB Leipzig and FC Bayern Munich as one hundred years of tradition, suggesting that RB Leipzig would eventually become a more traditional club.
2013: RB Leipzig's Transfer Policy and Youth Development
In 2013, Dietrich Mateschitz emphasized healthy development with own players. Ralf Rangnick noted RB Leipzig's focus on signing young players aged 17-23, and Ulrich Wolter expressed the club's ambition to build an "Eastern lighthouse" for young players from eastern Germany.
2013: Mateschitz Awarded "Leipziger Lerche"
In 2013, Dietrich Mateschitz was awarded the prize "Leipziger Lerche" for his service to the region. Mayor Burkhard Jung described him as "honest, ambitious and serious".
2013: Foundation of Fan Union
In 2013, Fanverband RB Leipzig Fans, an umbrella organization for official and unofficial fan clubs and other groups, was founded.
2013: RB Leipzig club CEO comments on Dietrich Mateschitz
In 2013, RB Leipzig club CEO Ulrich Wolter characterized Dietrich Mateschitz as not an oligarch or a Sheikh who buys a toy club, but as a man interested in success with a long-term sustainable contribution to youth and professional football.
2013: Cooperation agreement with Fanprojekt Leipzig
In 2013, RB Leipzig entered a cooperation agreement with Fanprojekt Leipzig, involving collaboration in eight categories, including anti-racism work, which was a novelty in Germany.
2013: RB Leipzig's Membership Policy and Cooperation Agreements
In 2013, RB Leipzig's CEO Ulrich Wolter defended the club's restrictive membership policy, prioritizing investors. Blogger Matthias Kiessling noted the pro forma nature of other clubs' membership systems. RB Leipzig entered a cooperation agreement with Fanprojekt Leipzig and maintained dialogue with Fanverband RB Leipzig Fans.
January 2014: Second phase of construction began
In January 2014, the second phase of construction began. The plans for the second phase were set to create one of Germany's largest training centers for an estimated cost of 35 million euros.
February 2014: End of Defeats for the Season
After losing 1–2 away to MSV Duisburg on 1 February 2014, RB Leipzig did not concede a single defeat for the rest of the season.
April 2014: Defeated SV Darmstadt 98
In April 2014, RB Leipzig defeated SV Darmstadt 98 by 1–0 on 19 April 2014, in front of 39,147 spectators at the Red Bull Arena.
April 2014: DFL Announced Licensing Decision
On 22 April 2014, the DFL announced its first decision in the licensing process, stating that RB Leipzig would be given a license for the 2014–15 2. Bundesliga season only under certain conditions, which included redesigning the crest and changing the composition of organizational bodies.
April 2014: Filed Appeal
RB Leipzig filed an appeal on 30 April 2014, to the DFL conditions on the license for the 2014-15 2. Bundesliga season.
May 2014: Report on IG Rasenballisten
In May 2014, Der Tagesspiegel reported on supporter group IG Rasenballisten, noting their focus on the name "RasenBallsport" and giving the club an identity beyond Red Bull GmbH, centered on Leipzig.
May 2014: Secured Promotion to 2. Bundesliga
In May 2014, RB Leipzig secured promotion to the 2. Bundesliga on 3 May 2014, after defeating 1. FC Saarbrücken 5–1, setting a new club record with 42,713 spectators.
May 2014: Compromise Announced
On 15 May 2014, a compromise was announced regarding the DFL license. The compromise meant that the club had to redesign its crest and ensure that club management was independent from Red Bull GmbH.
May 2014: Appeal Rejected
On 8 May 2014, the DFL rejected the appeal. Dietrich Mateschitz criticized the decision and threatened to end the project in Leipzig if the license was not given.
June 2014: Changes to membership in response to DFL pressure
In June 2014, RB Leipzig announced changes to the membership, introducing "official supporting member" status with fees between 70 and 1000 euros, in response to pressure from the DFL.
August 2014: Draw Against VfR Aalen
In August 2014, the 2014–15 2. Bundesliga season began with a 0–0 draw against VfR Aalen on 2 August 2014. The team won the match 2–1 in extra time against SC Paderborn on 16 August 2014.
September 2014: First Defeat in the League
In September 2014, RB Leipzig had their first defeat in the league, losing 1–2 against 1. FC Union Berlin on 21 September 2014.
September 2014: Protests at away match against Union Berlin
On September 21, 2014, during the away match against Union Berlin, home supporters wore black plastic ponchos, remained silent for 15 minutes, and displayed banners criticizing RB Leipzig's impact on football culture.
October 2014: Plans to expand the Red Bull Arena
In October 2014, German media reported that the club wanted to expand the Red Bull Arena to 55,000 seats for future first division Bundesliga play.
October 2014: Promotional agreements
In October 2014, RB Leipzig entered into promotional agreements with Hugo Boss, Porsche as youth sponsor, and Volkswagen for stadium commercials.
October 2014: Released club magazine
In October 2014, RB Leipzig released its own club magazine Klub on 6 October 2014.
November 2014: First general meeting of fan union
In November 2014, Fanverband RB Leipzig Fans held its first general meeting, gathering 350 supporters, including club officials like general manager Ulrich Wolter.
November 2014: Defeated FC St. Pauli
On 23 November 2014, RB Leipzig defeated FC St. Pauli 4–1, climbing to 5th place.
December 2014: Lost Against FC Ingolstadt
In December 2014, RB Leipzig lost 0–1 against FC Ingolstadt on 7 December 2014, dropping to 8th place. The club signed Omer Damari and Emil Forsberg.
December 2014: Founding of spin-off organization
On 2 December 2014, the general meeting voted for founding a spin-off organization in the form of a GmbH, responsible for the professional team, the reserve team and men's junior teams from U15 and above.
2014: Criticism of membership policy
By 2014, RB Leipzig membership fees stood at 100 euros for registration and 800 euros annually, with the management board able to reject applications, leading to criticism.
2014: Stadium capacity at 44,345 seats
During the 2014–15 season, Red Bull Arena had a capacity of 44,345 seats.
2014: Demand to convert sector B into standing area
During the general meeting of the supporters' union in 2014, the assembly made a demand to convert sector B into a standing area. However, it was considered impossible at the time for structural reasons.
2014: Banner ban during home game
During the last home game of 2014, Red Aces displayed a banner directed towards Legida, describing the city of Leipzig as diverse, cosmopolitan and tolerant, despite the club's initial refusal to approve the requested banners.
2014: DFB President on RB Leipzig's Success
In 2014, DFB President Wolfgang Niersbach commented on clubs in Leipzig, stating that if traditional clubs haven't established a serious way back in professional football, no one should complain if a different approach leads to success.
2014: Criticism of RB Leipzig's activities
In 2014, Hans-Joachim Watzke characterized RB Leipzig's activities as "morally questionable", referring to its transfer policy in close cooperation with FC Red Bull Salzburg. Peter Neururer said RB Leipzig "made him sick" because the club was built on purely economical interests.
2014: Football Association on RB Leipzig Promotion
In 2014, Rainer Milkoreit characterized the promotion of RB Leipzig to the 2. Bundesliga as a great development for eastern Germany, noting the attendance boom in Leipzig.
2014: Bayern Munich Congratulates RB Leipzig
In 2014, Uli Hoeneß congratulated RB Leipzig on its promotion to the 2. Bundesliga and considered it the best thing that could happen to football in Leipzig. Matthias Sammer praised the positive economical effects it had for the region.
2014: Campaign against RB Leipzig
In 2014, after RB Leipzig gained promotion to 2. Bundesliga, supporter groups from ten clubs in the 2. Bundesliga created a campaign against the club, called "Nein zu RB" ("No to RB").
2014: Signed Numerous Players
In 2014, before the 2014–15 season, RB Leipzig signed numerous players, including Rani Khedira, Lukas Klostermann, Marcel Sabitzer, Terrence Boyd and Massimo Bruno. The club spent an estimated sum of approximately 12 million euros on new players.
2014: Organizational changes due to DFL requirements
In 2014, significant organizational changes were made following requirements set up by the German Football League (DFL) to change the composition of organizational bodies.
2014: Praise for Youth Work
In 2014, the German Football League (DFL) praised the youth work at RB Leipzig.
2014: DFL rejects crest, club agrees to redesign
In 2014, the German Football League (DFL) rejected RB Leipzig's crest during the license procedure for the 2014–15 2. Bundesliga season. As part of a compromise with the DFL, the club agreed to redesign its crest.
January 2015: Open letter against Legida and founding of anti-racist action group
In January 2015, Red Aces penned an open letter against a planned demonstration by Legida. Also, in January 2015, the anti-racist action group Rasenball gegen Rassismus was founded by RB Leipzig's supporter groups Red Aces, Lecrats, Rabauken – Block 31, and IG Rasenballisten.
February 2015: IG Rasenballisten becomes a registered voluntary association
In February 2015, the supporter group IG Rasenballisten became a registered voluntary association uniting fanatical and critical fans of RB Leipzig.
February 2015: Offensive banners displayed at match against FC Erzgebirge Aue
On February 6, 2015, at an away match against FC Erzgebirge Aue, home supporters displayed banners which compared Dietrich Mateschitz to Adolf Hitler, and supporters of RB Leipzig to blind Nazi followers. FC Erzgebirge Aue was later fined 35,000 euros by the DFB for the banners.
March 2015: Threats against supporters before match against Karlsruher SC
Before an away match against Karlsruher SC on March 9, 2015, several supporters of RB Leipzig received letters indirectly threatening them with violence if they supported the team in Karlsruhe. Local hooligans also entered the player hotel's lobby the night before that game.
March 2015: Consideration of building a new stadium
In March 2015, German media reported the club considered building a new stadium on the area north of Leipzig. It could be modeled after the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen or the Esprit Arena in Düsseldorf.
March 2015: Stadium redevelopment investment announced
In March 2015, RB Leipzig announced that it was going to invest 5 million euros in a redevelopment of the Red Bull Arena. The redevelopment included an expansion of the VIP area, pressbox, wheelchair spaces, two new larger LED score boards and refurbished player facilities.
March 2015: Campaign against RB Leipzig gains supporters
In March 2015, the "Nein zu RB" campaign against RB Leipzig indicated a number of 182 supporter groups from 29 clubs.
March 2015: Sold out Red Bull Arena
On 4 March 2015, the third round of the 2014–15 DFB-Pokal against VfL Wolfsburg sold out the Red Bull Arena for the first time, setting the current club record for a match at the Red Bull Arena as of 2016, with 43,348 spectators.
March 2015: RB Leipzig Eliminated from DFB-Pokal
On 5 March 2015, RB Leipzig was defeated 2–0 by VfL Wolfsburg in the third round of the 2014–15 DFB-Pokal at the Red Bull Arena, marking the first-ever complete sell-out of the stadium with 43,348 spectators in attendance.
April 2015: Report on supporter groups
In April 2015, Die Zeit reported on supporter groups IG Rasenballisten and Lecrats, highlighting their focus on Leipzig identity and impassioned fans, and Lecrats' anti-commercial stance.
April 2015: FC Red Bull Salzburg Fans Protest Leipzig Transfers
In April 2015, fans of FC Red Bull Salzburg were heard singing chants against RB Leipzig during an ÖFB-Cup game due to concerns about Stefan Ilsanker potentially moving to Leipzig during the summer, as FC Red Bull Salzburg had transferred some of its best players to RB Leipzig for several years.
May 2015: Ralf Rangnick Announced as New Head Coach
In May 2015, Ralf Rangnick was announced as the new head coach of RB Leipzig, with Achim Beierlorzer as his assistant, for one season. This decision came after negotiations with Thomas Tuchel and Sascha Lewandowski for the head coach position had failed.
August 2015: Banner ban and protest
Before the home match against SpVgg Greuther Fürth on 3 August 2015, Red Aces asked to display a banner against Legida, with the text Ligaspiel und Legida – der Montag ist zum Kotzen da, but the club refused.
August 2015: Humorous protest at Union's matchday program
For RB Leipzig's August 2015 visit, Union's matchday program replaced the page dedicated to the visiting team with an article on the history of bull farming, a humorous protest.
August 2015: Comments on building a new stadium
In August 2015, Michael Kölmel, the current owner of Red Bull Arena, commented on plans to build a new stadium. He pointed out how a new stadium on the outskirts of Leipzig could be detrimental to fan culture.
August 2015: RB Leipzig Supports Refugees During Migrant Crisis
In August 2015, RB Leipzig donated €50,000 to the City of Leipzig for asylum seeker support and sold 60 containers from its training center to serve as accommodation. The club also became patrons of the "Willkommen im Fußball" initiative and donated sporting equipment and clothes.
August 2015: DFB-Pokal Match Against Osnabrück Cancelled Due to Fan Violence
On 10 August 2015, the DFB-Pokal match between RB Leipzig and VfL Osnabrück was cancelled after referee Martin Petersen was hit in the head by a lighter thrown from the home stand, following earlier interruptions due to fan violence causing barriers and safety nets to collapse. The DFB later decided the match to be counted as a 0–2 loss for Osnabrück.
September 2015: RB Leipzig Invites Refugees to Home Match
In September 2015, RB Leipzig invited 450 refugees to watch the home match against SC Paderborn on 11 September, accompanied by 200 fans, as part of their support for refugees during the European migrant crisis.
September 2015: New sports complex opened
In September 2015, RB Leipzig's new sports complex was opened and taken in use by the professional team and six junior teams.
September 2015: Player bus pelted with counterfeit money at match against 1. FC Heidenheim
On September 18, 2015, at an away match against 1. FC Heidenheim, the player bus was approached by supporters who pelted the bus with counterfeit dollar bills printed with a caricature of Dietrich Mateschitz. The action led to a police investigation.
October 2015: Plans to expand the Red Bull Arena were back on the agenda
In October 2015, expansion of the Red Bull Arena was back on the agenda with the plan of expanding it to 57,000 seats, involving Viennese architect Albert Wimmer.
October 2015: Qualified for round of 16
In October 2015, the team defeated FC Erzgebirge Aue, qualifying for the round of 16 for first time in club history.
October 2015: RB Leipzig Eliminated from DFB-Pokal
On 27 October 2015, RB Leipzig was eliminated from the DFB-Pokal in the second round, losing 3–0 to SpVgg Unterhaching.
October 2015: Hundredth match at the Red Bull Arena
On 4 October 2015, RB Leipzig played its hundredth match at the Red Bull Arena, against 1. FC Nürnberg. At that point, the club reported a total attendance of 1,464,215 spectators.
November 2015: RB Leipzig Briefly Takes First Place in the League
On 1 November 2015, RB Leipzig reached first place in the league after defeating SV Sandhausen 2–1, but quickly lost the position at the next matchday.
December 2015: RB Leipzig Regains League Lead
On 13 December 2015, RB Leipzig returned to the leading position in the league following a series of wins.
2015: Red Bull GmbH Main Shareholder
As of 2015, Red Bull GmbH is the main shareholder of RasenballSport Leipzig GmbH, holding 99 percent of the shares.
2015: Beckenbauer's Prediction for RB Leipzig
In 2015, Franz Beckenbauer predicted that RB Leipzig would be dangerous to Bayern Munich in 35 years, if Red Bull GmbH intends to invest for that long a time, highlighting RB Leipzig's concept as having a future.
2015: Promotion to Bundesliga
In 2015, RB Leipzig was promoted to the Bundesliga for the first time after a series of successive promotions through the ranks of German football.
January 2016: Plans put on hold until 2017
In January 2016, RB Leipzig decided to put the plans on hold to expand Red Bull Arena, at least until 2017.
February 2016: Consideration of building a new stadium with capacity of 80,000 seats
In February 2016, German newspaper Leipziger Volkszeitung reported that club management again considered the possibility of building a new stadium with a capacity of 80,000 seats north of Leipzig.
February 2016: Supporters travel to away match
On 12 February 2016, nearly 2,500 RB Leipzig supporters attended the away match against FC St. Pauli.
February 2016: Protest during home match against 1. FC Union Berlin
On February 19, 2016, a similar protest was carried out during the home match against 1. FC Union Berlin.
March 2016: Number of organized supporters
In March 2016, the German newspaper Mitteldeutsche Zeitung reported that RB Leipzig had 5,000 organized supporters.
March 2016: Record away supporters
On 20 March 2016, 2,800 RB Leipzig supporters attended the away match against 1. FC Nürnberg, setting a new club record for away supporters.
March 2016: RB Leipzig Loses League Lead to SC Freiburg
On 20 March 2016, RB Leipzig lost the leading position in the league to SC Freiburg after a 3–1 defeat against 1.FC Nürnberg, dropping to second place.
April 2016: Oliver Mintzlaff General Manager
As of April 2016, Oliver Mintzlaff was the general manager of RasenballSport Leipzig GmbH.
May 2016: Contract extension with Krostitzer Brauerei
On 20 May 2016, RB Leipzig extended its contract with Krostitzer Brauerei to be its official beer partner until 2018.
May 2016: Ralph Hasenhüttl Announced as New Head Coach
On 6 May 2016, Ralph Hasenhüttl was announced as the new head coach of RB Leipzig, succeeding Ralf Rangnick. Hasenhüttl had previously managed FC Ingolstadt 04.
May 2016: RB Leipzig Secures Promotion to Bundesliga
On 8 May 2016, RB Leipzig secured a second-place finish in the league and direct promotion to the Bundesliga after defeating Karlsruher SC 2–0 in front of 42,559 spectators. The promotion was celebrated on 16 May 2016, with 20,000 supporters at the Market Square in Leipzig.
September 2016: First Bundesliga home match
RB Leipzig's first Bundesliga home match was played on 10 September 2016 versus Borussia Dortmund in front of 42,558 spectators.
December 2016: RB Leipzig offered that the stadium would be sold
In December 2016, RB Leipzig offered that the stadium would be sold by former owner Michael Kölmel to the club to continue the plans from the 2015 agenda.
2016: Supporter groups organized in union
As of 2016, 25 supporter groups were organized in the Fanverband RB Leipzig Fans union.
2016: Allofs on RB Leipzig's Fortune
In 2016, Klaus Allofs stated that RB Leipzig was a cast of fortune for Leipzig, and a good thing for the region and for German football.
2016: RB Leipzig's Popularity and Media Coverage
In 2016, studies showed RB Leipzig ranked as the third favorite team in Saxony and Thuringia, with increases in image values. Additionally, the club experienced a nationwide increase of 60 percent in press, radio, and television coverage, with reports becoming more objective and complex.
2016: Construction completed at training center
In the spring of 2016, RB Leipzig completed the construction of a covered grandstand with 1,000 seats, an area for motor skills-training and a parking area at their training center.
April 2017: RB Leipzig Qualifies for European Tournament
On 15 April 2017, RB Leipzig qualified for a European tournament, being the first Bundesliga debutant since German reunification to do so, after a 4–0 win against SC Freiburg.
May 2017: RB Leipzig Qualifies for UEFA Champions League
On 6 May 2017, RB Leipzig qualified for the 2017–18 UEFA Champions League after beating Hertha BSC 4–1.
June 2017: UEFA examines RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg
In June 2017, UEFA examined the operational structures of RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg to assess potential conflict of interest concerns arising from both clubs qualifying for the 2017–18 UEFA Champions League. UEFA declared themselves satisfied that both clubs were sufficiently independent from the Red Bull corporation to be admitted to their competitions.
2017: RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg reach Europa League quarter-finals
In 2017, both RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League but did not play each other. RB Leipzig was eliminated by Marseille. Subsequently, Marseille also knocked out Salzburg in the semi-finals.
2017: High attendance at away matches
In 2017, more than 9,000 fans travelled for the last away game of the 2017–18 season in Berlin.
May 2018: Ralph Hasenhüttl Resigns as Head Coach
On 16 May 2018, Ralph Hasenhüttl resigned as head coach of RB Leipzig after an extension of his contract was denied.
November 2018: Construction works for expansion started
In November 2018, construction works started, and it was planned that the stadium would expand to a total of 53,840 seats as of summer 2021.
2018: End of Krostitzer Brauerei Partnership
On 20 May 2016, RB Leipzig extended its contract with Krostitzer Brauerei to be its official beer partner until 2018.
April 2019: RB Leipzig Reaches DFB-Pokal Final
On 23 April 2019, RB Leipzig reached the DFB-Pokal final for the first time after a win against Hamburger SV.
June 2019: Ralf Rangnick Resigns as Sporting Director
On 1 June 2019, Ralf Rangnick announced his resignation as sporting director of RB Leipzig after seven years, moving to Red Bull as "Head of Sport and Development Soccer".
2019: Champions League Season
In March 2020, RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen, the four German UEFA Champions League teams for the 2019–20 season, collectively gave €20 million to Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga teams that were struggling financially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 2020: Financial support during COVID-19 pandemic
In March 2020, RB Leipzig, along with Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen, collectively gave €20 million to Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga teams struggling financially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
December 2020: Dominik Szoboszlai poised to move to RB Leipzig
In December 2020, Dominik Szoboszlai was poised to become the second RB Salzburg player to move to RB Leipzig in the space of six months, following Hwang Hee-chan's transfer in summer.
2020: Champions League Semi-Finals
In 2020, RB Leipzig reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
2020: Lease contract expires
In February 2016, it was mentioned that a move to a new stadium could be possible in 2020, when the club's current contract to lease the Red Bull Arena expires.
2021: Expansion work completed
In 2021, the expansion work of the Red Bull Arena was completed with a total capacity of 47,069 spectators, of which 37,069 can be seated, at national competitions.
2021: Conversion of Sector B into standing area
Sector B in the Red Bull Arena was converted into a standing area in the 2021–22 season.
July 2022: RB Leipzig Loses DFL Supercup to Bayern Munich
On 30 July 2022, RB Leipzig faced Bayern Munich in their first DFL Supercup at the Red Bull Arena, where they lost 5–3.
September 2022: Domenico Tedesco Sacked as Head Coach
On 7 September 2022, Domenico Tedesco was sacked as head coach following a 4–1 home defeat against Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League.
2022: DFB Pokal Win
In 2022, RB Leipzig won its first domestic honour, the DFB Pokal.
June 2023: RB Leipzig Wins Second Consecutive DFB-Pokal Title
On 3 June 2023, RB Leipzig won their second consecutive DFB-Pokal title after a 2–0 win against Eintracht Frankfurt in the final.
August 2023: Official fanclubs count
As of August 2023, RB Leipzig has 68 official fanclubs.
2023: Deals completed for Nicolas Seiwald and Benjamin Šeško
In 2023, RB Leipzig completed deals to acquire Nicolas Seiwald for €20,000,000 and Benjamin Šeško for €24,000,000 from Salzburg, totaling €54,000,000.
2023: Back-to-Back DFB Pokal Win
In 2023, RB Leipzig secured their second consecutive DFB Pokal title.
August 2024: As of August 29, 2024
As of August 29, 2024, the provided data reflects the current status of RB Leipzig.
March 2025: Marco Rose Dismissed as Head Coach
On 30 March 2025, Marco Rose was dismissed as head coach of RB Leipzig after some poor results in the 2024–25 season.
October 2025: Statistics Update
Statistics correct as of 25th October 2025.
2025: End of Nike kit agreement
In 2014, RB Leipzig switched to Nike sportswear, in an agreement that was expected to be in place until at least 2025.
Mentioned in this timeline
Germany officially the Federal Republic of Germany is a Western...
An earthquake is the shaking of the Earth's surface caused...
Football is a family of team sports primarily involving kicking...
FIFA F d ration Internationale de Football Association is the...
Tottenham is a district in north London part of the...
Dortmund Germany's ninth-largest city is a major urban center located...
Trending
2 months ago Virginia Vallejo, Pablo Escobar's ex, reveals health struggle: Suffered a brutal stroke.
7 months ago Jake Gyllenhaal's 'Othello' Snubbed by Tony Awards Despite Box Office Success with Denzel Washington.
8 days ago World Cup 2026 Draw: Brazil in Group C, France's Path
Maisie Williams is an English actress who gained widespread recognition for her role as Arya Stark in the HBO series...
2 months ago Dakota Johnson's Epic Response to 'Naked Dress' Queries and Red Carpet Fashion
21 days ago SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches Starlink Satellites from Cape Canaveral on 150th Mission.
Popular
Candace Owens is an American conservative political commentator and author...
Ilhan Omar is an American politician currently serving as the...
XXXTentacion born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy was a controversial yet...
Tom Cotton is an American politician and Army veteran currently...
Kelsey Grammer is an accomplished American actor producer and singer...
The Kennedy Center Honors are annual awards recognizing individuals and...