Bernhard Klodt facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Bernhard Klodt

Personal information
Full name	Bernhard Klodt
Date of birth	(1926-10-26)26 October 1926
Place of birth	Gelsenkirchen-Bismarck, Germany
Date of death	23 May 1996(1996-05-23) (aged 69)
Place of death	Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
Height	1.72 m
Playing position	Striker
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
1943–1948	Schalke 04	59	(29)
1948–1950	STV Horst Emscher	53	(18)
1950–1963	Schalke 04	306	(121)
Total		418	(168)
National team
1950–1959	West Germany	19	(3)
Honours Representing  West Germany FIFA World Cup Winner 1954 Switzerland
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Bernhard "Berni" Klodt (born October 26, 1926 – died May 23, 1996) was a famous German football player. He was born in Gelsenkirchen-Bismarck, Germany. His brother, Hans Klodt, was also a well-known goalkeeper.

Bernhard Klodt's Football Journey

Bernhard Klodt mostly played for FC Schalke 04 during his club career. He joined the senior team when he was only 16 years old. His first game was on January 17, 1943. In that game, he scored a goal, helping Schalke win 6–2 against Westfalia Herne.

Playing for Schalke 04

Klodt played for Schalke 04 for many years. He was a key player for the team. He played in 330 games in a league called the Oberliga West. In these games, he scored 129 goals.

He ended his football career in 1963 when he was 36. This was when the new Bundesliga league started. In his very last game, he scored the only goal. Schalke won 1–0 against the Bulgarian national team.

Playing for His Country

Bernhard Klodt also played for the Germany national football team. He played 19 games for West Germany between 1950 and 1959. During these games, he scored three goals.

He was part of the team that won the 1954 FIFA World Cup. This was a huge win for Germany! He also played in the 1958 FIFA World Cup.

The 1954 World Cup

During the 1954 World Cup, Klodt started as an outside right player. He played in two games against Turkey. He played quite well in both matches.

However, the coach, Sepp Herberger, decided to make a change. He replaced Klodt with another player named Helmut Rahn for the next game. This decision surprised some people at first. But Rahn scored a goal in that game, and Klodt did not play much after that.

The coach believed Rahn's unique style could change a game. Klodt was known more as a team player. He worked well with others on the field.

Life After Football

After he stopped playing football, Bernhard Klodt stayed involved in the sport. He coached the youth team at his old club, FC Schalke 04. He also worked as a salesman for a company that made drinks.

Achievements and Awards

Bernhard Klodt won some important titles during his career.

Club Honours

Schalke 04

• German Championship: 1958

International Honours

West Germany

• FIFA World Cup: 1954

See also

In Spanish: Bernhard Klodt para niños