Günter Netzer facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Günter Netzer

Netzer in 2005
Personal information
Full name	Günter Theodor Netzer
Date of birth	(1944-09-14) 14 September 1944 (age 80)
Place of birth	Mönchengladbach, Germany
Height	1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Position(s)	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)
International career
1965–1975	West Germany	37	(6)
Managerial career
1977–1985	Hamburger SV (general manager)
Medal record Men's football Representing  West Germany FIFA World Cup Winner 1974 West Germany UEFA European Championship Winner 1972 Belgium
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Günter Theodor Netzer (born 14 September 1944) is a famous German former football player. He was also a football executive and a TV expert. Netzer became very successful in Germany with Borussia Mönchengladbach in the early 1970s. Later, he moved to Spain in 1973 and played for Real Madrid.

He was a very skilled playmaker, playing as an attacking midfielder or a deep-lying playmaker. Many people think Netzer is one of the best midfielders and passers in football history. He was named German Footballer of the Year twice, in 1972 and 1973. After his playing career, Netzer was the general manager for Hamburger SV. During his time, the club won three league titles and the 1983 European Cup.

Günter Netzer's Club Career

Playing for Borussia Mönchengladbach

Netzer started playing football at age eight for 1. FC Mönchengladbach. When he was 19, in 1963, he joined their city rivals, Borussia Mönchengladbach. He scored a goal in his very first game! He quickly became a key player, helping the club get promoted to the top German league, the Bundesliga, in 1965.

Netzer played for Borussia Mönchengladbach until 1973. He scored 82 goals in 230 Bundesliga games for them. During this time, there was a big rivalry between Borussia Mönchengladbach and Bayern Munich. Both teams had many young star players. Borussia had Netzer, Berti Vogts, and Jupp Heynckes. Bayern had Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Müller.

With Borussia Mönchengladbach, Netzer won the Bundesliga in 1970 and 1971. They were the first Bundesliga club to win two championships in a row! He also won the DFB-Pokal (German Cup) in 1973. The final was a famous match against 1. FC Köln. Netzer started the game on the bench. During extra time, he decided to go onto the field himself! He told his coach, "I'll go and play now," and then scored the winning goal just three minutes later.

Netzer was very popular because of his good looks and exciting playing style. Football journalists voted him German Footballer of the Year in both 1972 and 1973.

Moving to Real Madrid

Netzer signing autographs in 1975

In 1973, Netzer made a big move to Real Madrid in Spain. He was the first German player ever to play for the famous Spanish club. He played there until 1976.

While at Real Madrid, Netzer helped the team win the Spanish league, La Liga, in 1975 and 1976. They also won the Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup) 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.

Günter Netzer's International Career

Netzer first played for the West Germany national team in October 1965. This was in a friendly game against Austria. He played for West Germany 37 times between 1965 and 1975, scoring six goals.

He played a very important part in West Germany winning the UEFA Euro 1972 tournament. Netzer also played briefly in the 1974 FIFA World Cup. He was on the field for 21 minutes in a match against East Germany. Even though he didn't play in the final, Netzer was the first World Cup winner who played for a club outside his home country at the time of winning.

Günter Netzer's Playing Style

Netzer was known as a classic playmaker. He was famous for his amazing technique and his ability to pass the ball perfectly. He often played in front of the defense, organizing the game from deep positions. From there, he would send precise long passes to his teammates.

At Borussia Mönchengladbach, he sometimes even played as a libero, which is a defender who also helps with attacks. Besides his great ball skills, Netzer had a natural leadership quality. He was the undisputed leader of his team. His way of controlling the midfield earned him the nickname 'Karajan', like the famous music conductor.

Günter Netzer's Managerial Career

Netzer in 1979

After he stopped playing, 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.

Under Netzer's management, Hamburg won three Bundesliga titles (1979, 1982, 1983). In 1983, Hamburg reached the final of the European Cup. They beat a very strong Juventus team, which was a huge surprise! This period is considered the most successful time in Hamburg's history.

Günter Netzer: Media and Business

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.

Netzer also became a well-known football pundit on German TV. He worked with the German TV channel ARD and host Gerhard Delling. They commented on games of the Germany national team. For their work, they received a special award called the Adolf Grimme Award in 2000.

Netzer and Delling were known for their frequent on-screen arguments, which became a popular part of their show. Despite this, they are said to be close friends. Netzer was Delling's best man at his wedding in 2003. Netzer left ARD after the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Netzer is married and has one daughter. He has lived in Switzerland since his playing career ended and has also become a Swiss citizen.

Günter Netzer's Honours

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

• 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