Just before the season kicks off: RB Leipzig celebrates the start of the 2026 season

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First, roaring motorbikes flew through the air, then red and white smoke rose into the sky. Under the banner ‘RB Leipzig Season Heat Up 2026’, the Rasenballer celebrated this year’s season-opening party on the festival grounds at the Sportforum. The first competitive matches are already scheduled for next weekend: the men’s team face a challenge in the first round of the DFB Cup in Trier, whilst the women’s team host Bayer Leverkusen in their Bundesliga opener.

Before the two teams were presented to the fans on the stage at the foot of the bell tower, an old acquaintance took to the stage: Kevin Kampl had found his way back to Leipzig once again. In early January, the long-serving RB player ended his professional career following a tragic death in the family. “It took me a few months to recharge my batteries,” he said on stage, “but now I’m feeling that buzz again.” The 35-year-old still fondly remembers his eight years in Leipzig, particularly the first cup victory in 2022. At the time, he caused a public controversy by pouring a can of Red Bull into the cup trophy.

Then the current players took to the stage. “We want to challenge at the top of the Bundesliga and play attractive football,” announced men’s captain David Raum. However, he is also well aware: “Bayern are still a completely different benchmark.” And, of course, after a year on the sidelines, the 28-year-old international is looking forward to exciting matches in the Champions League once again. “Madrid would be a really cool destination,” he said – it would also mean a reunion with former teammate Yan Diomande, who, after a long transfer saga, has now signed for the ‘royal’ Real Madrid.

presenter Clara Mohr interviews women’s head coach Jonas Stephan (RB Leipzig, centre) and Martin Demichelis (men’s head coach, RB Leipzig). Photo: Jan Kaefer

“I’m really looking forward to it, and the lads are already raring to go,” said head coach Martin Demichelis, looking ahead to the start of the competitive season. He wants the team to play intense football, pushing forward aggressively. “We want the fans to come to the stadium and enjoy our matches,” said the new manager. “At the end of the match, the feeling should be that we’ve given it our all on the pitch.” This coming Saturday, 22 August, this very mentality will be put to the test for the first time under ‘real’ competitive conditions. RBL will be away to Eintracht Trier, a team from the South-West Regional League, in the first round of the DFB Cup. Kick-off is at 6 pm.

A day later, on Sunday 23 August, the RB women’s team will also kick off their league campaign. At 4 pm on the first matchday of the Bundesliga, they will host Bayer Leverkusen’s ‘Werkselfen’ at Cottaweg. Head coach Jonas Stephan had to make a few adjustments during pre-season. After all, no fewer than 15 players from last season are no longer with the squad. The task, therefore, was to integrate 13 new players into the team. Eleven of them are international signings. The club found particular success in the Netherlands – with four players – and Belgium – with three players.

Vorstellung der Teams der Männer und Frauen - hier u.a. mit Benjamin Henrichs (39, RB Leipzig) und Nikoline Dudek (24, RB Leipzig). Foto: Jan Kaefer

The coach is pleased with the pre-season preparations, even though there have been a few minor injury issues. These now seem to be largely behind them. His team can therefore take to the pitch “almost at full strength” for the opening match. “We’ll approach every match with an all-out mentality,” promises the 34-year-old, who would like to see a few more spectators at the women’s matches. Last year, the average attendance per match was 1,706. Perhaps an added incentive: ticket prices have been reduced – and children up to and including the age of 14 can enter the stadium for free.

The final friendly before the season kicks off in earnest went very well. Against Bundesliga relegation side FC Carl Zeiss Jena, who will be playing in the second division this season, there was an unexpectedly convincing 10–1 victory. So, let’s get started.