Günter Netzer facts for kids
Günter Netzer photographed by Oliver Mark, Zurich 2007
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| Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | Günter Theodor Netzer | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Date of birth | 14 September 1944 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Mönchengladbach, Germany | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.78 m | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Playing position | Midfielder | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Youth career | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1952–1963 | 1. FC Mönchengladbach | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Senior career* | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† | |||||||||||||||||||
| 1963–1973 | Borussia Mönchengladbach | 297 | (108) | |||||||||||||||||||
| 1973–1976 | Real Madrid | 85 | (9) | |||||||||||||||||||
| 1976–1977 | Grasshopper Club Zürich | 26 | (3) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 408 | (120) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| National team | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1965–1975 | West Germany | 37 | (6) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Teams managed | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1977–1985 | Hamburger SV (general manager) | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Honours
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Günter Theodor Netzer (born September 14, 1944) is a famous German former football player. He also worked as a manager and a TV expert. Günter became very successful with Borussia Mönchengladbach in Germany in the early 1970s. Later, he moved to Spain and played for Real Madrid.
Günter was a very skilled playmaker. He played in the midfield, helping his team create goals. Many people think he was one of the best passers ever. He was even named the best German Footballer of the Year twice, in 1972 and 1973. After his playing career, Netzer became the general manager for Hamburger SV. During his time, the club won three league titles and the 1983 European Cup.
Contents
Günter Netzer's Club Career
Playing for Borussia Mönchengladbach
Günter Netzer started playing football at age eight. He played for 1. FC Mönchengladbach until he was 19. In 1963, he joined their city rivals, Borussia Mönchengladbach. He scored a goal in his very first game.
Günter quickly became a key player for the team. He helped them get promoted to the Bundesliga in 1965. He played for Borussia until 1973. In 230 Bundesliga games, he scored 82 goals.
During this time, Borussia Mönchengladbach had a big rivalry with Bayern Munich. Both teams had many young star players. Borussia won the Bundesliga in 1970 and 1971. They were the first club to win two championships in a row.
They also won the DFB-Pokal (German Cup) in 1973. The final game was very famous. Günter started on the bench, but he decided to go into the game himself during extra time. He told his coach, "I'll go and play now." Just three minutes later, he scored the winning goal! Because of his good looks and exciting playing style, Günter became very popular. He was voted German Footballer of the Year in both 1972 and 1973.
Time with Real Madrid
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In 1973, Günter Netzer moved to Spain to play for Real Madrid. He was the first German player to join the club. He played there until 1976.
With Real Madrid, he won the Spanish league title (La Liga) in 1975 and 1976. He also won the Spanish Cup (Copa del Rey) in 1974 and 1975. After three successful years in Spain, Netzer joined Grasshopper Club Zürich in Switzerland. He finished his playing career there in 1977.
International Career for West Germany
Günter Netzer played for the West Germany national team from 1965 to 1975. He played 37 games and scored six goals. He was a very important player when West Germany won the UEFA Euro 1972 championship.
He also played a short part in the 1974 FIFA World Cup. His team won the World Cup that year. Even though he didn't play in the final, Günter Netzer was the first World Cup winner to play for a club outside his home country at the time of winning.
Günter Netzer's Playing Style
Günter Netzer was known as a classic playmaker. He was famous for his amazing technique and passing skills. Many people consider him one of the best midfielders ever. He often played in front of the defense, organizing the game from deep positions. He would send precise long passes to his teammates.
At Borussia Mönchengladbach, he sometimes played as a libero. Besides his great ball skills, his natural leadership made him the undisputed leader of his team. He had a lot of freedom from his coach, Hennes Weisweiler. His way of controlling the midfield earned him the nickname 'Karajan', like a famous music conductor.
Managerial Career at Hamburger SV
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After he stopped playing football, Günter Netzer became the general manager for Hamburger SV. He spent eight very successful years there. He completely changed the team and brought in famous coaches.
He led the club to win three Bundesliga titles in 1979, 1982, and 1983. In 1983, Hamburg reached the final of the European Cup. They beat a very strong Juventus team, which was a big surprise. This period is seen as the most successful time in Hamburg's history.
Media Business and Football Expert
After his football career, Netzer started an advertising agency in Zürich, Switzerland, where he still lives. He also works with TV rights for sports. He is an executive director at Infront Sports & Media AG, which partners with the German Football Association.
Günter Netzer also became a well-known football pundit on TV. He worked for the German TV channel ARD. He often commented on games with host Gerhard Delling. They were famous for their on-air arguments, which became a popular part of their show. For their work, they received the prestigious Adolf Grimme Award in 2000.
Even though they argued on TV, Netzer and Delling were close friends. Netzer was even Delling's best man at his wedding. Günter Netzer left ARD after 13 years, following the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Günter Netzer is married and has one daughter. He has lived in Switzerland since his playing career ended and has also become a Swiss citizen.
Honours and Achievements
As a Player
Borussia Mönchengladbach
- Bundesliga: 1969–70, 1970–71
- DFB-Pokal: 1972–73
- UEFA Cup runner-up: 1972–73
Real Madrid
- La Liga: 1974–75, 1975–76
- Copa del Rey: 1973–74, 1974–75
West Germany National Team
- UEFA European Championship: 1972
- FIFA World Cup: 1974
Individual Awards
- kicker Bundesliga Team of the Season: 1965–66, 1966–67, 1967–68, 1968–69, 1969–70, 1970–71, 1971–72
- Goal of the Year (Germany): 1971, 1972
- Footballer of the Year (Germany): 1972, 1973
- UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament: 1972
- UEFA European Championship top assist provider: 1972
- Ballon d'Or runner-up: 1972
- World XI: 1972, 1973, 1975
- FUWO European Team of the Season: 1972
- Sport Ideal European XI: 1972, 1973
- World Soccer: The Greatest Players of the 20th century (75th place)
- Member of Germany's Sports Hall of Fame
As General Manager
Hamburger SV
- Bundesliga: 1978–79, 1981–82, 1982–83
- European Cup: 1982–83
- Intercontinental Cup runner-up: 1983
See also
In Spanish: Günter Netzer para niños
