In 1987/88, Madlener signed for SK Vorwärts Steyr in the Austrian second division. After arriving, he became their figurehead for his technique, long hair, and lifestyle. That season , he and Ukrainian striker
Oleg Blokhin, 1975 European Footballer of the Year, helped the club achieve promotion to the Austrian Bundesliga. As a result of his performances, Madlener played for the Austria national team and earned a move to SK Rapid Wien, Austria's most successful team before returning to SK Vorwärts Steyr after a year. ==References==