Niklas Hedl

Niklas Hedl is an Austrian goalkeeper born in Vienna on March 17, 2001. He joined Rapid Vienna's youth academy in 2007, beginning a long association with the club. Hedl progressed through Rapid's youth setup, represented Austria at under-17 and under-21 level, and made his professional debut for the club's reserves in 2020. He made his senior debut for Rapid in a 2–2 draw against Sturm Graz on February 20, 2022. By the 2023–24 season, he had become a regular starter, making 32 Bundesliga appearances and featuring in European qualifying. Hedl earned his first senior cap for Austria in November 2022. Standing 1.90 metres tall, Niklas Hedl combines traditional shot-stopping with a proactive role behind a high defensive line, helping to sweep up long passes and support Rapid's build-up play. He remains linked with Rapid Vienna, where his progression from academy goalkeeper to established first-team option has made him a prominent figure in Austrian football.