Christopher Nkunku Scores on RB Leipzig Return in 5-0 Hamburg Win
Christopher Nkunku marked his Leipzig return with a goal and his trademark red-balloon celebration in Sunday’s 5-0 win over Hamburger SV, his first for the club since the 2023 DFB-Pokal final.
What we know
- The 28-year-old French forward is back at RB Leipzig on loan from Milan after difficult spells in England and Italy.
- Nkunku said the move was driven by a need to enjoy football again, play regularly and focus solely on performing on the pitch. Talks with Leipzig’s coach and hierarchy convinced all parties to complete the deal quickly.
- He left Leipzig for Chelsea in 2023 in a reported £52 million transfer, but a serious knee injury during the club’s US pre-season tour required surgery and disrupted his first campaign.
- Nkunku said missing pre-season made it harder to settle at a new club and build connections with teammates. His rush to return then contributed to repeated minor muscle problems.
- He scored 18 goals during his overall Chelsea spell, before moving to Milan in 2025. Nkunku found Serie A’s defensive approach restrictive, saying sides often prioritised protecting a lead rather than attacking for another goal.
- The attacker believes consistent match action at Leipzig can put him back in France contention, although he accepts the competition for places in the national squad is fierce.
Next step: turn Leipzig return into France case
Nkunku’s immediate task is to stay fit and establish the regularity he says has been missing for three seasons. He wants to be decisive game by game for Leipzig, with a sustained run of minutes offering his route back into the France squad.
