Stefan Schwab is returning to his homeland: After six years abroad and a less-than-satisfactory second-division season with Holstein Kiel, the 35-year-old veteran midfielder has signed with Ried.
Stefan Schwab is playing in the Austrian Bundesliga again: After six years away from home, the former Rapid Vienna player has signed with SV Ried—the Upper Austrian club announced this in a press release on Thursday. After leaving Hütteldorf in the summer of 2020, Schwab spent five years playing for PAOK Thessaloniki. With the Greek club, he won the league title in 2021 and the cup in 2024. The central midfielder also served as captain.
Things were less successful for the now 35-year-old at Holstein Kiel. His stint in northern Germany came to an end in May after just one season and 28 (mostly brief) appearances. At SV Ried, Schwab is expected to play a more prominent role again.
Schwab: “I wanted to make the most of my year in Germany”
“After the departures, we absolutely wanted to have another stabilizing force in the squad, which we’ve found in Stefan Schwab,” explained Wolfgang Fiala, sporting director of SV Ried. “His career speaks for itself. He is one of the few Austrian players who has consistently established himself abroad as a captain and leader. He’ll play a strategic role in our possession-based game and also help us on set pieces. In addition, he’ll support our young players.”
“I’m 35 years old and want to prove that I’m in good shape and can play a key role at this high level. I want to help the team have a good and successful season,” Schwab himself said about his new challenge. “Ried really went out of their way to sign me last year. I was determined to spend one more year in Germany. Now I’m very happy that it worked out. I’m really looking forward to the club, the cool stadium with the great fans, and the great atmosphere.”
