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Michael Gregoritsch’s return to FC Augsburg always carried a certain sentimental appeal. Few could have predicted it would eventually produce a place in the club record books. The Austrian striker became Augsburg’s all-time leading Bundesliga goalscorer on Saturday, scoring twice in the second half of a 2-2 draw against Bayer Leverkusen to move beyond former record-holder Alfred Finnbogason.
Gregoritsch entered the 2026/27 campaign sitting on 35 Augsburg Bundesliga goals, two behind the Icelandic striker. After scoring against Schalke in the season opener, his first against Leverkusen brought him level on 37. Five minutes later, an unmarked header produced number 38. The moment also completed an unlikely circle.
Barely 13 months ago, GGFN covered Gregoritsch’s departure from SC Freiburg and German football after 13 years. A move to Brøndby appeared to close the Bundesliga chapter of a career that had taken the Graz native through Hamburg, Augsburg, Schalke and Freiburg.
It did not remain closed for long.
Gregoritsch finds his way back to Augsburg
By January, Gregoritsch was already looking for a way back. Augsburg ultimately provided it. The move reunited Gregoritsch with Manuel Baum, under whom he had previously enjoyed some of the most productive football of his first FCA spell.
When Augsburg officially brought their former striker back on loan from Brøndby, Gregoritsch immediately spoke of his fond memories working under Baum and his continuing connection to the club. The emotional component was obvious.
So too was Gregoritsch’s relief at being back in familiar surroundings.
“I really missed the Bundesliga,” the Austrian admitted shortly after returning to Augsburg.
That January return initially carried very different sporting objectives from the ones Augsburg are discussing now. Baum’s side were trying to establish distance between themselves and the relegation places. Gregoritsch arrived as an experienced Bundesliga striker expected to provide leadership, physicality and a reliable focal point.
His role was never completely guaranteed.
Augsburg also signed Rodrigo Ribeiro during the winter window, eventually handing the young Portuguese forward opportunities that Gregoritsch might reasonably have expected to receive himself. GGFN examined Ribeiro’s surprise breakthrough in February, at a time when questions naturally arose regarding which striker Baum would ultimately prefer.
Gregoritsch nevertheless remained important even when not serving as Augsburg’s undisputed first choice. His value also extended beyond goals.
The veteran earned widespread praise in April when he corrected referee Deniz Aytekin during a relegation match against Hamburg, admitting that he had not been fouled despite Augsburg initially appearing set to receive a dangerous free kick.
That incident reinforced the leadership qualities Augsburg believed they were bringing back. The goals eventually reinforced the footballing case as well.
From relegation battle to record start
Augsburg retained both Gregoritsch and Ribeiro permanently over the summer. As noted in GGFN’s 2026/27 Augsburg tactical preview, the two provide Baum with markedly different center-forward profiles. Ribeiro offers greater mobility and developmental upside.
Gregoritsch remains the more experienced target man, capable of occupying central defenders, holding the ball up and providing a physical reference point around which Augsburg can construct attacks.
Three matchdays into the new season, the hierarchy has tilted firmly toward the veteran.
Gregoritsch’s brace against Leverkusen did more than move him ahead of Finnbogason. It helped Augsburg secure another result after falling behind and preserved the best Bundesliga start in club history.
That follows last weekend’s remarkable 4-1 comeback victory in Frankfurt, after which GGFN examined the confidence, squad depth and collective resilience behind Baum’s rapidly improving side. Saturday supplied another example.
Augsburg again entered halftime trailing. Gregoritsch then equalized shortly after the restart by slipping the ball through Mark Flekken’s legs before completing the turnaround five minutes later with the header that made him the club’s new record Bundesliga scorer.
Leverkusen eventually recovered to earn a deserved point.
The record remained Gregoritsch’s.
It represents a particularly fitting milestone for a player whose relationship with Augsburg has survived departure, three seasons in Freiburg, a move abroad and an unexpected return. Gregoritsch had already promised teammates and staff during Augsburg’s summer training camp at Achensee that he would organize a celebration if he overtook Finnbogason.
The menu, according to the Austrian, will feature Käsekrainer.
Michael Gregoritsch reflects on Augsburg record
“[It means] quite a lot to me,” Gregoritsch said when asked what it felt like to become Augsburg’s new record goalscorer. “That’s something I couldn’t have conceived of in my wildest dreams. I never thought I would have played so long in the Bundesliga for a top flight club. I played here for the vast majority of my career. I’ve experienced so many positive things here. Sure, I had the [goalscoring] numbers in my head. It’s something very special.”
Gregoritsch also believes there is a wider explanation for Augsburg’s ability to respond so strongly after halftime for the second consecutive weekend.
“The team this year is very tight knit,” Gregoritsch said. “[Manuel Baum] has a good feel for the group and highlights important things. Hopefully we can keep riding this wave. I notice every day in training that the hunger is there. We have one more match before the international break which we can hopefully win.”
