Among Austria’s most storied football clubs, LASK Linz stands out for its longevity, resilience, and modern resurgence. With more than a century of football heritage, LASK has experienced both triumphant highs and challenging lows — only to emerge stronger and more competitive in the 21st century.
From historic league victories to strong RR88 European campaigns, LASK continues to grow into a respected name in both Austrian and international football. Let’s explore the history, honors, and goal-scoring legacy of this ever-ambitious club.
The Origins of LASK Linz
LASK (Linzer Athletik-Sport-Klub) was founded in 1908, making it one of the oldest clubs in Austria. Based in Linz, the third-largest city in the country, the club has long been a symbol of regional pride for Upper Austria.
While it began as a local team competing in regional leagues, LASK steadily built its profile and became the first club outside Vienna to win Austria’s top division — a feat that helped reshape the nation’s football landscape.
Historic Achievements
LASK Linz made history in 1965, when it became the first non-Viennese club to win the Austrian Bundesliga, breaking decades of dominance by teams from the capital. That same year, the club also won the Austrian Cup, securing a famous domestic double.
Major honors include:
- Austrian Bundesliga Champion (1964–65)
- Austrian Cup Winner (1964–65)
- Austrian Cup Runner-up (7 times, including 2016–17 and 2023–24)
- Consistent top-four Bundesliga finishes in recent seasons
- UEFA Europa League Round of 16 (2019–20)
After fluctuating between divisions in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, LASK underwent a powerful revival starting in 2017, returning to the top flight and quickly establishing itself as a serious contender.
Goals, Strikers, and Offensive Stats
LASK Linz is known for its fast-paced, attacking football — and it shows in their scoring record. Across all official competitions, LASK has scored over 5,000 goals since its foundation.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Austrian Bundesliga Goals: Over 3,500 goals
- Austrian Cup Goals: Around 800 goals, including high-scoring runs in multiple finals
- European Competitions: More than 100 goals across UEFA Cup, Europa League, and Conference League campaigns
- Lower Division Goals: Over 600 goals during seasons spent in Austria’s second tier
Key goal scorers in LASK’s history include Friedrich ‘Fritz’ Kominek, Kurt Leitner, and modern striker Thomas Goiginger, who has been crucial in the club’s resurgence.
European Adventures
LASK has significantly raised its European profile in recent years. Their most notable performance came in the 2019–20 UEFA Europa League, when they reached the Round of 16, beating teams like Sporting CP and AZ Alkmaar before falling to Manchester United.
They’ve also qualified regularly for the Europa Conference League, showing that the club is now a regular competitor on the continental stage. These European outings have been important not just for prestige but also for growing the club’s global fanbase.
Stadium and Fan Culture
In 2023, LASK inaugurated the Raiffeisen Arena, a modern 19,000-seat stadium in Linz that represents the club’s ambitions. The stadium quickly became a fortress, with fans creating an intense and passionate atmosphere during home matches.
LASK’s supporters are known for their loyalty and energy, turning out in large numbers and traveling well for domestic and European matches. The connection between club and city is strong, making LASK a true embodiment of Linz’s spirit.
Final Thoughts
LASK Linz has proven that perseverance and vision can bring a football club back to greatness. From historic league titles to consistent modern-day success, LASK is building a legacy based on smart management, solid talent development, and aggressive football.
With thousands of goals, multiple trophies, and rising European stature, LASK continues to be one of Austria’s most exciting clubs to watch.
From trailblazing history to a promising future, LASK Linz is a name that echoes across Austrian football.
