Talent Calendar
Luca Weinhandl, one of only three players born in 2009 to compete, was a standout performer for Austria’s U17 national team in Qatar, leading them to a second-place finish. As a midfielder for the defending champions Sturm Graz, he emerged as a pivotal figure in head coach Hermann Stadler’s squad, a performance that comes as no surprise given his talent.
Weinhandl gained significant attention when he played for his club’s U19 team in September 2024, becoming the youngest Austrian ever to participate in the UEFA Youth League at just 15 years and 8 months old. His entry into professional football soon followed, making his debut for Graz’s reserve side against Bregenz (2-3) for 25 minutes. This achievement positioned him among the youngest players in the history of the Austrian second division, trailing only notable players like Roland Linz, Christian Keglevits, and David Alaba.
Since April, Weinhandl has been instrumental in the midfield for his second-division team, playing 17 matches. His exceptional performances have not gone unnoticed, leading Sturm Graz’s head coach Jürgen Säumel to call him up to the first team squad four times. Although he is still awaiting his debut, it is only a matter of time before he steps onto the pitch in the Austrian Bundesliga. Development coach Günther Neukirchner spoke highly of Weinhandl, stating, “He is our biggest talent. Remember, he plays with an age group that is a year older. It won’t be much longer until he makes his first-team debut.”
Austrian Talent Weinhandl: Bellingham and Gravenberch as Inspirations
When asked about his smooth transition from youth to professional football, Weinhandl shared valuable insights in an interview with Transfermarkt. “Participating in as many training sessions as possible was crucial for me to adjust to the pace,” he explained. “What helped me the most was playing confidently and without fear.” He looks up to Jude Bellingham and Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch as role models, particularly admiring Gravenberch’s ability to thrive under pressure.
Following his impressive performances at Sturm Graz, Weinhandl debuted for the Austrian U17 national team in March 2025. After showcasing his skills in the U16 team in the fall, he quickly moved up to the U17 squad, participating in European qualifiers. Although Austria did not qualify for the U17 European Championships after draws with Germany and Spain, their accomplishments were enough to earn a spot in the expanded U17 World Cup in Qatar.
Weinhandl was not surprised by Austria’s success at the U17 World Cup, where they finished as runners-up. “Initially, we struggled to evaluate our opponents,” he reflected. “However, every player improved since qualification, and as a team, we grew stronger. We didn’t expect to get that far at the tournament’s start, but we realized after the group stage that a surprise might be possible.” Whether his experience serves as a stepping stone for him or his teammate, Johannes Moser—who emerged as the tournament’s top goalscorer—remains uncertain. “It’s hard to say, but it was undeniably a successful and educational experience that will stay with me forever.”
The future holds questions about how long Weinhandl will stay in Graz. As reserve coach Christoph Wurm stated in an interview, “He is consistently progressing.” Despite opportunities to go abroad, he chose to remain with Sturm Graz, recognizing it as the ideal environment for his individual development. Recently, he renewed his contract in June. “I don’t have a specific goal in mind,” Weinhandl concluded. “I focus on the present and aim to maximize my potential.”
From December 1 to 24, we will highlight new players from various countries born in 2008 and 2009. Area managers, users, and data scouts will contribute their expertise throughout the series. Follow all these players by adding them to your TM watchlist.
