Slovenia represented Kevin Kampl on the international stage across 28 matches, despite the midfielder originating from Solingen, Germany. A versatile presence in the middle of the pitch, he forged a professional path through various European leagues before concluding his athletic career in 2026, leaving behind a resume marked by multiple cup victories and domestic league achievements.
Early Professional Development
Born in 1990 to parents who emigrated from Maribor, Kampl began his football training with Bayer Leverkusen. After a brief loan spell at SpVgg Greuther Fürth in 2010, where he debuted in the 2. Bundesliga, he transitioned through VfL Osnabrück and VfR Aalen. His stint at Aalen proved short but productive, as he recorded two goals and three assists in four appearances, prompting Red Bull Salzburg to trigger a 3 million euro release clause in 2012.
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During his tenure in Salzburg, Kampl achieved domestic prominence by winning the Austrian Bundesliga and the Austrian Cup in the 2013–14 season. His performances earned him consecutive Slovenian Footballer of the Year awards in 2013 and 2014. In January 2015, he transferred to Borussia Dortmund for 12 million euros. Later that year, he returned to Bayer Leverkusen, scoring his first UEFA Champions League goal against Roma in October 2015.
Tenure at RB Leipzig
Kampl moved to RB Leipzig in 2017 for a 20 million euro fee. He became a fixture in the squad, participating in the club's inaugural UEFA Champions League starting lineup. Over five years, he helped the team reach four DFB-Pokal finals, securing consecutive titles in 2022 and 2023. In October 2023, he extended his contract until June 2026. However, citing personal reasons, he and the club agreed to a premature contract termination in January 2026, leading to his retirement.
International Representation
Opting to represent Slovenia over his birth country of Germany, Kampl debuted for the senior national team on 12 October 2012 in a victory against Cyprus. He scored his first international goal against Albania in 2013 and added a second during a Euro 2016 qualifying match versus San Marino. Following an absence from the squad in 2016, he ultimately retired from international football in 2018, finishing his tenure with two goals.
Fast facts
- Born: 1990, Solingen
- Citizenship: Slovenia
- Total International Caps: 28
- First Senior Goal: 6 September 2013 against Albania
- Honours: 2 DFB-Pokal titles, 2022 and 2023
- Retirement Date: January 2026
- Slovenian Footballer of the Year: 2013, 2014
Questions readers ask
Why did Kevin Kampl play for Slovenia if he was born in Germany?
His parents were from Maribor, Slovenia, which granted him the eligibility to represent the nation, a choice he made early in his career.
Did Kampl win any major trophies at RB Leipzig?
Yes, he was part of the squad that won the DFB-Pokal in both 2022 and 2023, as well as the DFL-Supercup in 2023.
Achievements
- Worked as association football player
