"We need to be there for the people"

Konrad Laimer Joins Common Goal

Years from now when Konrad Laimer hangs up his boots, the RB Leipzig midfielder wants to not only be proud of his achievements on the pitch but wants to know he made his mark off it too.

The 23-year-old becomes the second RB Leipzig member to join the Common Goal movement in less than a month – with Dani Olmo also pledging 1% of his salary in August.

Laimer joins on the back of a campaign that saw his side reach the Champions League semi-final and the Austrian is keen to use his successes on the pitch to shine a light on those who need it most.

“I have everything that I need and I'm still at the beginning of what will hopefully be a long career as a professional footballer,” said Laimer.

“When I look back at the end of my career, I want to be proud of what I have achieved on and off the pitch.

“It goes without saying that in challenging times like these, we need to be there for the people who are not doing as well as we are and who need our support.

“If I am also able help underprivileged children and young people to gain a little courage by visiting the projects and bring them some joy, then I couldn’t imagine anything better!"

"I had been looking for an opportunity to give back for a while. The idea behind Common Goal and its collective approach immediately resonated with me - the most important thing now is to offer support to young people who are increasingly affected by poverty and inequalities as a result of the coronavirus crisis."

The news of Laimer’s pledge has also resonated with Olmo who is excited to join forces off the pitch as well as on it – with Leipzig head coach Julian Naggelsman also a Common Goal member.

“I am thrilled that with Konrad, I can already welcome another one of my teammates to Common Goal and I look forward to joining forces to promote social equality and justice,” said Olmo.

“The larger the group of those who get involved in Common Goal, the more we can achieve."

And Laimer also has another teammate in the movement with compatriot and good friend Xaver Schlager also welcoming his decision.

“The fact that Konrad - another Bundesliga professional and Austrian International – is joining Common Goal is, of course, a great thing,” Schlager said.

“I am very happy to welcome him to the team. If everyone who earns a living from football makes a small contribution, we can make a big difference and improve the lives of millions of disadvantaged young people."