Yusuf Demir reveals: "I didn't ask Rapid for a single cent"

"That was around 1,500 Euros"

He is now back to impressing at Rapid, but things were different in spring 2026. Demir returned to Hütteldorf not fully fit, thus requiring more time to get up to speed.

Additionally, the creative mind's physical condition also impacted his salary. "Due to the lack of fitness, I didn't ask Rapid for a single cent in the first few months," Demir states: "I only received the collective agreement wage to be officially registered. That was around 1,500 Euros."

Im Grunde hat er unsere Denkweise verändert.

Demir über Johannes Hoff Thorup

While the spring was sluggish with few exceptions, Demir is shining this current season.

Head coach Hoff Thorup apparently played a significant role in his positive development. Before the season, there was a serious discussion with Demir, as the Dane recounted in the 1899FM podcast: "There were things he had to change – and we as coaches had to help him with that."

The attacking player appreciates Hoff Thorup, as he makes clear: "The coach came from England, so from the big football world. He saw things there that we haven't seen in Austria yet."

And through this, according to Demir, the coach changed the entire club for the better: "He managed to get us all on board and believe we can win every game. Essentially, he changed our mindset. And the way the club views football."

Future open

When asked about his future at SK Rapid – perhaps even becoming the new Steffen Hofmann – Demir vaguely states: "Of course, you don't stop dreaming. But I have to fight for and earn all of this."

Currently, the 23-year-old is happy in Hütteldorf. "This is my club close to my heart – but let's see what happens," he says, unwilling to rule anything out.