Guido Burgstaller Makes Triumphant Return Four Months After Severe Head Injury

The SK Rapid Wien striker's emotional comeback in Stockholm highlights resilience and recovery following a violent attack in Vienna.

Guido Burgstaller returned to professional football for SK Rapid Wien during a Conference League quarterfinal match in Stockholm, four months after suffering a severe head injury.
The 35-year-old was violently attacked in Vienna in December 2024, resulting in a skull fracture and the loss of his sense of smell and taste.
During the match, he wore a specially designed protective headband to safeguard against further head trauma during physical challenges.
The attacker responsible for the assault was sentenced to 16 months of probation following legal proceedings.
Rapid Wien secured a crucial 1:0 victory in the match, boosting their chances to advance to the semifinals of the Conference League.