On the drive home, Rolin’s mind was filled with the words, “You’re now a part of the first team.” When he opened the front door, eager to share the good news, the first person he saw was Mino Raiola.
Sitting beside Raiola was an unfamiliar woman who exuded a capable and professional aura.
Raiola introduced her to Rolin with a smile: “Ms.
Rafaela Pimenta, a lawyer and my business partner.” Realization dawned on Rolin, and he quickly stepped forward to greet her: “I’ve heard so much about you, Ms.
Pimenta.
It’s a pleasure to meet you.” “Rolin, Rafaela and I came today mainly to finalize your contract,” Raiola said, getting straight to the point.
“Your previous youth team contract is no longer applicable.” Rolin couldn’t help but sigh inwardly—signing with Raiola was truly the wisest decision!
Before he had even mentioned it, Raiola had already brought someone over on his own initiative.
Dedicated and highly professional!
Rolin’s parents prepared a sumptuous dinner to entertain the two guests who had traveled from afar.
Raiola and Pimenta praised his mother’s cooking endlessly.
Early the next morning, Rolin’s family, along with Raiola and Pimenta, headed to the Red Bull Training Center.
In the third-floor conference room of the facility, Sporting Director Ralf Rangnick, Managing Director Oliver Mintzlaff, Head of Legal Affairs Michael Drotleff, and Head Coach Ralph Hasenhüttl were all seated.
Rolin stepped forward and shook hands with each of them in turn.
Ralf Rangnick spoke first: “Rolin, congratulations on being promoted to the first team.
Your previous youth contract is no longer valid, so we need to sign a new professional contract.” Saying this, Ralf Rangnick pushed a printed contract in front of him.
“The club and your management team have reached a preliminary agreement on this contract.
You can read it in detail, and if you have any questions, feel free to raise them directly.” Rolin looked at Raiola, who gave him a solemn nod.
Although Rolin trusted Raiola deeply, out of a sense of responsibility toward himself, he still reviewed the contract carefully.
“Base annual salary: 240,000 euros, distributed in equal monthly installments.” “Appearance bonus: 1,500 euros per starting appearance, 800 euros per Bundesliga substitute appearance.” “Performance bonus: 2,000 euros per goal, 1,200 euros per assist; an extra 800 euros for making 5+ interceptions and 3 key passes in a single match.” “Team achievement bonus: 50,000 euros for qualifying for European competitions through the League; 150,000 euros for winning the League title; 30,000 euros for reaching the DFB-Pokal semi-finals, 80,000 euros for winning it; 50,000 euros for advancing from the group stage in the Europa League or Champions League.” “National youth team allowance: Each selection for the Germany U19 training camps or friendlies earns an additional club bonus of 2,000 euros.” …
After reading through everything, Rolin couldn’t help but marvel at how much better a professional contract was compared to a youth contract.
Just looking at the salary alone, he previously earned only 1,200 euros a month…
This contract was already the best terms he could get at the moment, so without hesitating any further, he gladly accepted.
— Red Bull Training Center Press Room.
Witnessed by numerous media outlets, Rolin signed his name on the contract.
From this moment on, he officially became a member of the RB Leipzig first team.
Afterwards, Rolin held up his number 18 jersey in front of the cameras.
Camera shutters clicked rapidly as journalists captured this moment with their lenses.
Once the photo session wrapped up, the Q&A session with the press began.
Ralf Rangnick answered questions on behalf of the club: “Rolin Bachmann is an outstanding player developed right here in our Red Bull Academy.
His performances in the youth League speak for themselves, demonstrating maturity far beyond his age.
Moreover, his technical skill set fits seamlessly into our high-pressing tactical system.
With a young talent possessing such immense potential, we had no reason not to sign him.
We look forward to seeing him fulfill his full potential here and join our other young players in striving for higher goals.” A reporter from Kicker was interviewing Rolin.
“Rolin, congratulations on signing your contract with RB Leipzig.
How do you feel right now?” “Thank you.
For me and my family, today is an immensely proud day,” Rolin said earnestly.
“I can’t wait to step onto the pitch and demonstrate what I can do.” The reporter followed up immediately: “Promoting to the first team means facing fiercer competition.
Do you have confidence in yourself?” Rolin’s answer was concise and firm: “The competition in the first team is indeed intense, but I will prove through my performances that the club made the right choice in signing me.” “Your family is here today as well.
How much support have they provided you?” the reporter asked again.
Rolin said solemnly: “They are the crucial pillar of support that enabled me to get to where I am today.
They played a key role in my professional journey, and I am truly grateful to them.” After the Q&A session concluded, the group headed out to the outdoor training field.
Rolin originally thought there wouldn’t be many fans present, considering his ability and fame were still far behind the first-team players.
However, he still underestimated the weight of the title “Son of Leipzig.” When he stepped into the Red Bull Arena, nearly a thousand fans erupted into enthusiastic cheers.
After a moment’s surprise, Rolin smiled and waved to the fans in greeting.
Amidst the fans’ cheers, he showed off some of his footwork and then posed for the camera displaying the crest on his jersey.
The club’s PR team filmed the entire process and updated the video simultaneously to the team’s Instagram and official website accounts.
Meanwhile, news of Rolin’s signing appeared across major German sports websites.
Kicker: RB Leipzig Academy Bears Fruit Again as Rolin Bachmann Signs Professional Contract Bild: Bachmann’s Professional Contract Details Exposed, Salary Outpaces Havertz from Same Period Eurosport: RB Leipzig Signs Youth Star, Bachmann Enters First-Team Rotation Sport1: Red Bull Officially Announces Signing of U19 Star, Five-Year Contract Locks Down All-Round Midfielder Red Bull Official Radio: Walking Together: A New Bundesliga Chapter Belongs to Rolin Bachmann Rolin had no idea that so many fans were discussing him around the world.
At this moment, he was celebrating with his family.
Raiola and Pimenta didn’t disturb them, heading back to Monaco that very night.
Lucas was overjoyed today, getting dead drunk for the very first time.
He talked with Rolin about their childhood dreams, imagining a day when they could stand on a Bundesliga pitch.