SK Rapid U19 Clinch Mercedes-Benz Cup Bronze with Austro-Pinoy Talent Daniel Mahiya

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Vienna, January 2026 — SK Rapid Wien’s U19 team capped a strong international showing by finishing third at the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Cup, held this January and featuring elite youth sides from across Europe.

The young Rapids delivered a series of disciplined and energetic performances throughout the tournament, showcasing the club’s renowned youth development system. After navigating a competitive group stage and rebounding from a narrow semifinal setback, SK Rapid U19 closed the campaign with a convincing victory in the third-place playoff to secure a spot on the podium.

One of the standout members of the squad was Daniel Mahiya, an Austro-Pinoy talent whose presence added both quality and diversity to the team. Mahiya, eligible through his Austrian and Filipino heritage, impressed with his work rate, composure, and tactical awareness, contributing to Rapid’s solid performances against top-level opposition.

The Mercedes-Benz Cup is widely regarded as a proving ground for emerging talents, often featuring future professionals from Europe’s leading academies. For SK Rapid U19, the tournament served not only as a test of results but also as a valuable development experience against different playing styles and high-pressure match situations.

Coaches praised the team’s collective mentality and adaptability over the course of the competition. Despite the physical demands and tight schedule typical of elite youth tournaments, the Rapids maintained their intensity and structure, reflecting the club’s long-term philosophy of developing technically sound and mentally resilient players.

For Mahiya, the tournament marked another important step in his progression at club level. His performances reinforced his growing reputation within Rapid’s youth ranks and highlighted the increasingly international profile of Austrian football at academy level.

Securing third place at the Mercedes-Benz Cup adds another positive chapter to SK Rapid Wien’s youth program and sets an encouraging tone for the remainder of the season. With talents like Daniel Mahiya continuing to emerge, the future looks bright for the Hütteldorf club’s next generation.