Austria Wien signs Gini Kirchberger

The 104-time Austrian international Virginia Kirchberger is joining Austria Wien for the new season. Kirchberger has played in Germany since 2009 and most recently played for Eintracht Frankfurt. She has signed a contract with the Violets until the summer of 2026.

"I'm very happy to finally be here and to be back home! The overall package is perfect for me and I hope I can play my part in driving forward the women's football at Austria Wien. I want to use my experience to lead the way, take on responsibility and enjoy playing football again", says Gini Kirchberger.

Born in Vienna, Kirchberger began her footballing career at SV Aspern and later joined USC Landhaus. In the summer of 2009, Kirchberger moved to FC Bayern's second team at the age of 16 and two years later to BV Cloppenburg, with whom she was promoted to the Bundesliga in 2012-13.

In total, Kirchberger played 176 games in the German Bundesliga for Cloppenburg, MSV Duisburg, 1. FC Köln, SC Freiburg and Eintracht Frankfurt, as well as 30 games in the DFB Cup, where she reached the final with Freiburg in 2019 and Frankfurt in 2021. In 2023-24, she also made three appearances in the UEFA Women's Champions League.

Kirchberger, who celebrated her 31st birthday on 25 May, has made 104 appearances for the Austrian national team to date, making her one of only eight players to break the magic 100 games mark. She made her team debut on 9 June 2010 and sensationally reached the European Championship semi-finals with Austria alongside Kathi Schiechtl and Lisa Makas in 2017. Kirchberger was substituted for Schiechtl in the ÖFB record match at Viola Park last September.

Lisa Makas, sporting director: "The fact that we were able to attract a player of Gini Kirchberger's calibre to Austria Wien is a great sign for the club and the entire league. Gini lifts us even higher in all areas and makes us more professional as a team. She will take on a leading role both on the pitch and in the dressing room and we are delighted to welcome her in Vienna."