How a German-born midfielder chose Slovenia over Germany to forge a career
In short: Born in Germany to Slovenian parents, Kevin Kampl faced a pivotal choice early in his career. Choosing to represent Slovenia instead of Germany, the midfielder would eventually become a standout performer in the Bundesliga and a key figure for the Slovenian national team, earning 28 senior caps.
Kevin Kampl's professional journey began in the German fourth division with the Bayer Leverkusen reserve team. His path through the German leagues saw him move from SpVgg Greuther Fürth to VfL Osnabrück, and eventually to VfR Aalen, where a successful stint led to a €250,000 transfer. This performance caught the attention of Red Bull Salzburg, who triggered his €3 million release clause just before the transfer window closed.
His talent eventually earned him a high-profile move to Borussia Dortmund in early 2015 for a €12 million fee, though he had originally been destined for RB Leipzig. After returning to Bayer Leverkusen in late 2015, Kampl secured a €20 million move to RB Leipzig in 2017. During his tenure there, he became a cornerstone of the club's success, appearing in four DFB-Pokal finals between 2019 and 2023, winning the trophy in both 2022 and 2023.
On the international stage, Kampl debuted for Slovenia on 12 October 2012 against Cyprus. Despite a period of tension in October 2016 when the Slovenian squad condemned his absence from two matches, Kampl maintained his commitment to the team, stating he played with pride and intended to continue. He eventually retired from international football in late 2018, leaving a legacy of 28 caps and two goals. He officially retired from professional football in January 2026.
Kampl's career was marked by significant individual recognition, including being named Slovenian Footballer of the Year in 2013 and 2014, and being selected for the Kicker Bundesliga Team of the Season for 2015–16.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Kevin Kampl
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