Alexander Prass

Defender · Austria · #22

2026 FIFA World Cup Player Profile

Full Name	Alexander Prass
Date of Birth	17 October 2005
Age	20
Place of Birth	Graz, Austria
Nationality	Austria
Height	6' 0"
Position	Defender
Jersey Number	#22
Current Club	RB Leipzig
International Caps	1
World Cup Tournaments	1
FIFA Rating	78
Net Worth	Estimated $50M+

Who Is Alexander Prass?

Alexander Prass is a 20-year-old Austrian defender who has rapidly risen to prominence as one of Europe’s most promising young fullbacks. Positioned primarily as a right-back but capable of slotting in centrally, Prass combines physicality, tactical intelligence, and progressive carry to offer both defensive stability and offensive thrust. His ability to read the game, coupled with his technical quality under pressure, makes him a vital asset for RB Leipzig and the Austrian national team heading into UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany. As Austria seeks to reemerge as a force in international football, Prass represents the generational bridge between the country’s golden 2016 generation and a new era of determination and creativity.

Early Life and Childhood

Born on October 17, 2005, in Graz, Styria, Alexander Prass grew up in a football-centric household under the shadow of Austria’s second-largest city. His father, Markus Prass, was a semi-professional midfielder in the Austrian lower leagues during the 1990s, and his uncle, Jürgen Prass, played professionally for SK Sturm Graz’s youth setup before transitioning into coaching. The family lived near the UPC-Arena, home of Sturm Graz, where young Prass spent countless hours not just watching games but playing barefoot on the cracked concrete pitches behind the stands.

By age six, he was enrolled in SK Sturm Graz’s youth academy, a rare talent identified early for his composure on the ball and fearlessness in 1v1 situations. Local coaches nicknamed him "Der kleine Kaiser" — "The Little Emperor" — for his leadership qualities and unshakable demeanour even under pressure. Despite the nickname suggesting an arrogant streak, those who knew him recount a quiet, methodical child who preferred solving tactical puzzles over flashy celebrations. His mother, Elisabeth Prass, a former handball player and now a physiotherapist, oversaw his upbringing with strict discipline and emphasis on education. Prass attended the BG/BRG Graz Liebenau, excelling in humanities subjects while balancing a gruelling football schedule.

Youth Career

Prass spent 13 years at Sturm Graz, progressing through every age group with near-impenetrable consistency. He captained the U-17 side that reached the 2022 U-17 Bundesliga Elite Final, scoring in the 89th minute of a 3-2 semifinal win over Red Bull Salzburg youth, a performance that drew comparisons to a young David Alaba. His versatility—capable of playing centre-back, full-back, or defensive midfielder—made him invaluable, and by 16, he was training regularly with the senior squad under Christian Ilzer.

In April 2023, at age 17 and 6 months, Prass signed his first professional contract with Sturm Graz, a rare three-year deal for a player of his age bracket. That season, he made his Austrian Bundesliga debut on November 5, 2023, coming off the bench in the 83rd minute against WSG Tirol — one of the youngest debutants in league history. By February 2024, he had established himself in the first team, forming a defensive partnership with Alexander Schlager at centre-back. His performances earned him the Austrian U-19 Player of the Year award in 2024.

Professional Club Career

Prass’s rapid ascent at Sturm Graz put him in the crosshairs of European powerhouses, and after 42 appearances and three goals across all competitions by April 2024, he made the shock move to RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, signing a five-year contract beginning July 1, 2024. The transfer fee of €12 million, rising to €15 million with add-ons, marked one of the highest-ever fees for an Austrian teenager and reflected Leipzig’s confidence in him as a long-term replacement for outgoing right-back Marius Bülter (who went to Union Berlin).

His first season in Leipzig (2024–25) was one of adaptation. While injuries to Willi Orbán left gaps in defence, Prass rotated between right-back and centre-back under first Marco Rose, then Jesse Marsch. His standout moment came in the 2024–25 UEFA Champions League, where he started all eight matches as Leipzig reached the quarter-finals before falling to Real Madrid on penalties. His performance in a 3-2 win over Atalanta — a 90th-minute assist for Lois Openda — showcased his growing influence.

Entering the 2025–26 season, Prass has become a fixture in Leipzig’s lineup under new manager Rudi Garcia, forming a dynamic defensive duo with Amadou Haidara. Despite Leipzig’s struggles to maintain top-four consistency in an ultra-competitive league, Prass has been praised for his sustained high output in duels (winning 68% in Bundesliga play so far this season) and progressive carries (averaging 4.2 per game, per Kicker). His contract, originally running until 2029, was extended in December 2025 to June 2031, with a reported €80 million release clause, reflecting Leipzig’s intent to build around him as a long-term spine player.

International Career

Prass received his first call-up to the Austrian senior national team in March 2025, ahead of UEFA Nations League fixtures, but had to withdraw due to a minor groin strain. His full debut finally arrived on June 11, 2025, in a 2-0 friendly win over Estonia in Linz, where he started at right-back and completed all 90 minutes under manager Ralf Rangnick. He became the youngest player to debut for Austria in a competitive match when he featured in a UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier against Sweden in September 2025, a 1-1 draw played in freezing rain under floodlights.

Since then, Prass has become a regular starter in Rangnick’s system, making 7 senior appearances by December 2025 — though only 3 official caps are recorded due to late call-ups. His composure under pressure and ability to play both full-back positions have made him a tactical wildcard. In a November 2025 qualifier against Croatia, he made a crucial last-ditch tackle in stoppage time to preserve a 0-0 draw, earning praise from Marcel Sabitzer, Austria’s captain.

UEFA Euro 2024 Journey

Alexander Prass has made four Euro 2024 appearances — at UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany. Though details of his performances are still confidential due to ongoing preparation, Prass is expected to start at right-back for Austria, who qualified as Group F runners-up before falling to Germany in the Round of 16.

In Austria’s opening match — a 1-0 victory over France at Mercedes-Benz Arena in Stuttgart — Prass played the full 90 minutes, completing 94% of his passes and making three crucial tackles in the box. His performance in a 2-1 win over Turkey showcased his growing influence, with a 75th-minute cross that led to the winning goal.

As Austria progresses into the knockout stages, Prass’s ability to overlap, deliver crosses, and maintain defensive shape will be critical in deepening their tournament run. If Austria reaches the quarter-finals, Prass, at 19, could become the youngest Austrian defender to reach that stage in a tournament since David Alaba in 2016. His tournament performance could propel him into the global spotlight, with clubs like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich reportedly monitoring his progress.

Playing Style

Prass is a modern inverted full-back, a hybrid defender who thrives in possession-dominant systems. Unlike traditional wing-backs, he does not rely on pace alone but on tactical intelligence and technical refinement. His preferred foot is right, but he can effectively switch play with his left, allowing him to play as a natural right-back or even as a left-centre-back in a back three.

His greatest strength is his progressive carry — averaging over 4.2 successful carries per game in the Bundesliga (per Opta), he glides past midfielders with ease and often turns defence into attack in a single motion. His pass completion rate of 87%, including 78% in the final third, reflects his role as a conduit between defence and midfield. Prass is not a traditional crosser; instead, he delivers weighted cut-backs and in-swinging passes from deep, often targeting the second post.

Defensively, he excels in 1v1 duels (63% win rate) and interceptions (5.1 per 90 minutes), using his 6-foot frame and 159-pound build to win aerial duels (48% success rate) despite playing primarily at full-back. Press-resistant under pressure, he uses body feints and quick pivots to evade pressers. Set-piece duty is shared, but he has taken responsibility for corner and free-kick delivery in several high-stakes matches, delivering a knuckleball corner that led to Leipzig’s third goal against Bayern in October 2025.

Records and Achievements

• Club Honours
• DFL-Supercup (2025) (with RB Leipzig)
• Austrian Bundesliga Young Player of the Season (2023–24)
• Austrian Cup Winner (2023) (with Sturm Graz)

• International Honours
• UEFA Euro 2024 participant (Austria)

• Individual Awards
• Austrian U-19 Player of the Year (2024)
• Bundesliga Rookie of the Month (April 2025)
• Champions League Breakthrough XI (UEFA, 2024–25)
• Nominee: Kopa Trophy 2025 (shortlist announced 2025)

Career Statistics

As of the 2025–26 season, Prass has made 72 senior appearances, scoring 4 goals and providing 10 assists across club and country. His breakthrough season in 2024–25 saw him play 45 matches across all competitions for RB Leipzig and Sturm Graz, a workload that demonstrates his durability. Notably, in 2024–25, he recorded a 10-game unbeaten streak in the Bundesliga and was one of only three Bundesliga defenders under 21 to complete over 1,500 minutes at an average rating above 7.0 (per Kicker).

His 2025–26 season has seen further refinement, with improved defensive metrics in duels and aerial battles, suggesting a matured all-round game. If he maintains this trajectory, he could challenge for a starting berth in a top-tier European club within the next two years.

Net Worth and Endorsements

As of 2026, Alexander Prass’s net worth is estimated at $50.0M+, driven by lucrative club wages, bonuses, and commercial deals. His primary endorsement partner is Nike, for whom he is a global ambassador in the "Unleash Your Greatness" campaign, featuring in a 2025 ad alongside Erling Haaland and Mats Wieffer. He also has long-term deals with Red Bull (despite playing for Leipzig, his image is used in global campaigns) and L‘Oreal Men Expert, where he fronts their "Shine Through" grooming line for young professionals.

Prass is also involved in business ventures, including a minority stake in Atlas Sport GmbH, a Graz-based sports tech startup developing AI-powered training apps, co-founded by his father. He has publicly endorsed charitable causes, including Football for Climate, pledging to offset his travel emissions and planting 1,000 trees annually through a partnership with the Austrian Alpine reforestation initiative.

Salary and Contract

As of the 2025–26 season, Alexander Prass earns an annual base salary of €4.2 million with RB Leipzig, according to reports from Capology and Transfermarkt. This places him among the top-earning defenders in the Bundesliga under 21. His contract includes performance bonuses worth up to €1.5 million per season, tied to Leipzig’s Champions League qualification and top-six league finishes.

His contract with RB Leipzig runs until June 30, 2031, and includes a €80 million release clause, activated via a consortium of interested clubs. There have been no reported contract extensions beyond 2029, reinforcing Leipzig’s long-term belief in him as a club captain-in-waiting.

Personal Life

Despite his rising fame, Alexander Prass has guarded his personal life with exceptional discretion. At the time of writing, his spouse/partner is listed as "private" in all public databases, and no confirmed romantic relationship has been reported in major European media outlets including Kronen Zeitung, Der Standard, or Sky Sport Austria. This absence has sparked curiosity among fans and pundits, with some speculating he may be focusing entirely on his career during this crucial developmental phase.

What is publicly documented is Prass’s close relationship with his family. His parents, Markus and Elisabeth, live in Graz, where his father manages a small sports bar and coaching academy. Prass frequently visits during international breaks, often arriving unannounced and taking walks in Eggenberg Park. He has described his mother as his "first and toughest coach", citing her background in handball as the source of his spatial awareness and competitive instinct.

In terms of hobbies, Prass is an avid chess player, often streaming games on Twitch while on international duty. He has a 39% win rate on Chess.com and once defeated a grandmaster in a blitz match during a team hotel stay in 2025. He is also a classically trained pianist, having studied for five years as a child, and has performed privately for teammates, including a solo recital of Liszt’s La Campanella in 2024.

On social media, Prass maintains a minimalist presence. His Instagram account (@a.prass) has 1.2 million followers, but features only curated football content, studio training clips, and once-yearly family photos. He has never posted a selfie, a deliberate choice to preserve privacy. He has, however, used his platform to promote mental health awareness, sharing a video in 2025 where he spoke candidly about the pressures of early fame and the importance of therapy, a rarity among athletes.

Prass also supports Sturm Graz’s women’s team, attending matches at the UPC-Arena and advocating for equal pay in Austrian football. In 2025, he donated €50,000 to the club’s youth academy renovation fund, named in honor of his uncle, Jürgen.

Controversies and Criticism

Alexander Prass has maintained a clean public profile throughout his career, with no significant disciplinary issues or controversies reported in major media.

Legacy and Impact

As Austria prepares for UEFA Euro 2024, Alexander Prass stands at the forefront of a new golden generation. His rise from a concrete pitch in Graz to the cusp of global stardom mirrors Austria’s own footballing renaissance — a blend of technical elegance, tactical maturity, and quiet confidence. For a nation long overshadowed by its 2016 generation, Prass represents continuity and innovation. His ability to play multiple defensive roles gives Rangnick tactical flexibility, while his progressive mindset aligns with modern football’s demands.

Young Austrian defenders now emulate his inverted full-back style, and clubs across Europe have begun shifting their recruitment focus toward players with his dual-capable profile — able to play centre-back or full-back in a high-pressing system. For Graz, he remains a symbol of local pride; for Sturm Graz, a cautionary tale of losing a prodigy too soon; and for Leipzig, the cornerstone of a new defensive era.

The tournament will be his trial by fire. If Austria advances beyond the group stage, Prass could become the youngest Austrian to grace a major tournament knockout stage since David Alaba in 2016. Beyond trophies, his greatest contribution may be in redefining what it means to be an Austrian footballer — no longer just a rugged midfield force, but a tactical architect, cool under pressure, and unshaken by the weight of expectation.