Emil Forsberg

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Forsberg's journey at RB Leipzig began in January 2015, where he quickly became the creative heartbeat of a club ascending Germany's football pyramid. During the 2015–16 season, his performance was so dominant that he was voted the best player in the 2. Bundesliga. By the 2016–17 campaign, he finished as the highest assister in the entire Bundesliga with an astounding 22 assists, earning a spot in the league's Team of the Season. A defining moment arrived on 13 September 2017, when Forsberg netted RB Leipzig's first-ever Champions League goal in a 1–1 draw against Monaco. His clutch performances continued in Europe; during the 2019–20 season, he scored a brace in stoppage time against Benfica to secure a knockout phase berth, eventually helping the team reach the semi-finals where they lost to Paris Saint-Germain.

In Their Own Story

The narrative of Forsberg at Leipzig is defined by historic firsts and emotional farewells. On 4 November 2020, he scored the winning goal in a 2–1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain, marking his club's first-ever win against the French giants in the Champions League. Later, on 24 February 2022, he converted an 89th-minute penalty against Real Sociedad to secure a 3–1 away win, a goal that also marked the 1000th in the club's history. His departure in late 2023 was met with deep affection from the fanbase. In his final home match on 16 December 2023, he came off the bench to score the game-winner and assist another goal in a 3–1 victory over Hoffenheim, greeted by fans holding banners paying homage to their departing star. Three days later, he captained the side in his final appearance, a 1–1 draw with Werder Bremen, providing the assist for Loïs Openda's goal before departing after eight years.

Reader's Guide

To understand Emil Forsberg's impact on RB Leipzig, one must look at his specific contributions during critical European nights and domestic dominance. He was not just a participant but a primary creator, finishing as the top assister in Europe's top five leagues with 22 assists in the 2016–17 season. His technical ability allowed him to score vital goals, such as the brace against Benfica that kept Leipzig's Champions League hopes alive in 2020 and the penalty against Real Sociedad that hit a historic milestone for the club. Forsberg also demonstrated his leadership by captaining the team during his final matches in December 2023, guiding the squad through both victory and draw before his exit. His tenure bridges the gap between Leipzig's second-league origins and their status as consistent European contenders, with his name forever linked to the club's first Champions League goal and its 1000th competitive goal.

Did You Know?

• Forsberg scored RB Leipzig's first-ever Champions League goal in a 1–1 draw against Monaco on 13 September 2017.
• In the 2016–17 season, he recorded 22 assists, making him the highest assister in the Bundesliga and top five leagues in Europe.
• On 24 February 2022, his penalty against Real Sociedad marked the 1000th goal in RB Leipzig's history.
• He is the only Swedish player to score four goals in a single UEFA European Championship tournament (Euro 2020).
• Forsberg extended his contract with Leipzig in February 2016, committing to the club until 2021 before eventually leaving in December 2023.