Pros 02.01.2025 - 16:45 Uhr
Karim Onisiwo joins RB Salzburg after nine years at Mainz
The Austrian striker arrived at FSV in January 2016 | Heidel: “One of the most defining Mainz players of the last decade”
Karim Onisiwo has dissolved his contract with 1. FSV Mainz 05 and completed an immediate move to RB Salzburg. The 32-year-old forward has signed a deal with the 17-time Austrian champions running until 2026. The financial details are undisclosed.
Born in Vienna, Onisiwo made the move to the German Bundesliga in January 2016 from SV Mattersburg. The former Austria international, with 24 caps and one goal to his name for his country, made 233 competitive appearances for the 05ers, scoring 35 goals and assisting a further 32. With his tally of 33 Bundesliga goals (in 214 games), Onisiwo is currently the club’s all-time top goalscorer in the division alongside Jonny Burkardt. He made six brief appearances in the top flight this season.
“We would like to thank Karim for the amazing time we shared together and his exemplary commitment over the years”
Board member for sport Christian Heidel said: “Karim was one of the defining Mainz players of the past decade. He embodied our passionate playing style like no other, tirelessly initiating our courageous pressing. Due to his current sporting situation and with a view to returning to his native Austria, he came to us at short notice with a transfer request and we didn’t want to stand in his way. We would like to thank Karim for the amazing time we shared together and his exemplary commitment over the years. He has our best wishes for the future, both on and off the pitch. Karim has earned his place in the Mainz history books and will always remain a part of the 05er family.”
“Forever grateful to have been able to be a part of this amazing club’s history”
Karim Onisiwo said: “I am forever grateful to Mainz 05 and our fans that I have been able to be a part of this amazing club’s history. The list of people that I need to thank is long, but I want to pay tribute to Christian Heidel and Martin Schmidt, who nine years ago gave me the chance to have a career in the German Bundesliga. It was clear that I would have to say goodbye one day, but as sad as I am to be leaving, it feels like the right time to take on a new sporting challenge and return home to Austria to be nearer my family and friends. I wish Mainz 05 all the best for the rest of the season and of course will continue to follow the club closely.”