Andreas Ivanschitz (born October 15, 1983 in Eisenstadt, Austria) is an Austrian football player. He plays as an attacking midfielder.

Career

Andreas, who was born in a Burgenland Croat family, began his football career as a kid in his town’s local team called ASK Baumgarten, and he spent there 9 years (1989-1998). Soon Rapid Wien scouters found out his talent and in 1998 he signed his first professional contract with the Austrian champions. He was only 16 years old when he wore his team’s shirt, during an Austrian Cup match against Ranshofen (26 October 1999). His first official League match was in 2000 against SV Wüstenrot Salzburg. In 177 games for Rapid Andreas Ivanschitz scored 27 times, winning the Austrian Championship title in 2004/2005. In 2003 he was elected Austrian Footballer of the Year. He transferred to Red Bull Salzburg in January 2006, and then to Greek Super League Club Panathinaikos FC in August 2006 in a two-year loan.

Andreas Ivanschitz plays for the Austrian national team, where he is also the captain despite being only 24 years old. His shirt number is 10 in the national team and his position is in the midfield. Andreas Ivanschitz is also known as the "Austrian Beckham" despite favouring his left foot. Still the name stuck because of his exposure to the local media and popularity with the fans.

Andreas Ivanschitz comes from a musical family and plays various musical instruments in his spare time.

Playing career

• SK Rapid Wien (1998-2005)
• Red Bull Salzburg (2006)
• Panathinaikos FC (since 10 August 2006)(Loaned for 2 years with buy clause)

Honors

• 1 x of Austrian League: 2005 (Rapid)
• 1 x of Austrian Cup finalist: 2005 (Rapid)
• 1 x participation on it UEFA Champions League: 2005 (group phase with Rapid)
• 1 x of Austrian soccer player of the year: 2003
• He has been capped more than 30 times with Austria