Former soccer star Stefan Maierhofer joins the Vienna Vikings

The European League of Football welcomes a surprising and exciting new player: former professional soccer striker Stefan Maierhofer is now part of the Vienna Vikings as a kicker. His comeback announcement made headlines across Austria and even internationally. 

Maierhofer is known for his long football career, playing for clubs like Rapid Wien, Bayern Munich, Wolverhampton, Red Bull Salzburg, and others. Now, he takes on a new challenge in the ELF.

A careful selection and intense training

The Vikings decided at the end of 2024 to strengthen their kicking unit with a former soccer professional. Finding the right person was not easy. “It was important that the athlete fits not only on the field but also personally,” said Vikings owner Robin Lumsden.
“We met with several well-known footballers. Many wanted to play for us, but it became clear very quickly that Stefan was the right one. He has the talent and lives the Vikings Fighting Mentality – highly professional and competitive.”

To help Maierhofer adjust to the new sport, the team brought in former NFL kicker Giorgio Tavecchio as kicking coach. Training was intense and sometimes hard to keep secret. “Stefan is a very tall man, extremely popular, and with a unique body language. But we managed it somehow,” said Head Coach Chris Calaycay, smiling. “Of course, he’s got a great leg. The transition from soccer to American football is tough but going tremendously well. We might see him on the field for kick-offs earlier than scheduled.”

Maierhofer is excited about the journey and already feels at home with the Vikings. “From minute one, I knew this was where I wanted to be,” he said. “The team works together, from the owner to the equipment manager. Everything is about success and respect. That impressed me.”

He has one big goal: reaching the ELF Championship Game in Stuttgart in front of 50,000 fans. “That’s my clear goal now,” said Maierhofer. “We trained in heavy rain, working on my technique. But that only made my dream stronger – to reach the final with the Vikings in 2025.”

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