Wolfgang Overath facts for kids
Overath after winning the 1974 FIFA World Cup
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| Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Date of birth | 29 September 1943 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Siegburg, Germany | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.76 m | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Playing position | Attacking midfielder | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Youth career | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1953–1962 | Siegburger SV 04 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Senior career* | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† | |||||||||||||||||||
| 1962–1977 | 1. FC Köln | 409 | (83) | |||||||||||||||||||
| National team | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1963–1974 | West Germany | 81 | (17) | |||||||||||||||||||
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Honours
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Wolfgang Overath (born 29 September 1943) is a famous former West German footballer. He was a "one-club man," meaning he played his entire professional career for just one team, 1. FC Köln. Overath played for his country in three World Cup tournaments. His biggest win was in 1974, when West Germany beat the Netherlands 2–1 at home. He was mainly an attacking midfielder, known for his great passing, skill, and powerful left foot.
Contents
Wolfgang Overath's Football Journey
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Wolfgang Overath started playing football at a club called SSV Siegburg. However, he spent most of his career at 1. FC Köln. He played an amazing 765 games for them between 1962 and 1977. During this time, he scored 287 goals.
He helped 1. FC Köln win the very first Bundesliga title in 1964. The Bundesliga is Germany's top football league. He also won the German Cup with them in 1968. This is another important cup competition in Germany. He played 71 matches in European club competitions for 1. FC Köln. He still holds the record for the most official games played for the club, with 549 appearances.
Playing for West Germany
Overath played 81 games for the West German national team between 1963 and 1974. He scored 17 goals for his country. He was a key player in the midfield when West Germany won the World Cup in 1974.
He also helped his team reach the World Cup final in 1966. In 1970, West Germany finished third. Overath scored the only goal in the third-place match. Many journalists from other countries thought he was Germany's best player in that tournament.
Wolfgang Overath is one of only seven players in history to win World Cup medals for first, second, and third place. Other famous players like Franz Beckenbauer and Miroslav Klose are also on this special list.
Rivalry and Leadership
Overath had a friendly rivalry with another talented midfielder, Günter Netzer. Netzer played for Borussia Mönchengladbach. Even though Netzer was very flashy, the German coach Helmut Schön often preferred Overath. The coach felt Overath was more steady and reliable.
An injury kept Overath out of the European Championships 1972 quarterfinals. Netzer stepped in and helped Germany win the tournament. Many people still think that 1972 team was Germany's best ever. But Overath soon got his place back when Netzer got injured. Netzer himself once said that Overath "was born to play for Germany."
After Playing Football
In 2004, Wolfgang Overath became the President of his old club, 1. FC Köln. He held this position until he stepped down on 13 November 2011.
How Wolfgang Overath Played
Wolfgang Overath was a very skilled playmaker. A playmaker is a player who helps create scoring chances for their team. He was known for his excellent technique and passing skills. He also had a powerful shot, especially with his left foot. Many people consider him one of Germany's best players ever. Even though he was an attacking player, he also worked hard to defend when needed.
Wolfgang Overath's Life Outside Football
Wolfgang Overath has been married to his wife Karin for 57 years. They have three children: two sons and one adopted daughter. In 2003, he was made an honorary citizen of his hometown, Siegburg. This means the town recognized him for his special contributions. He also received an award called the Egidius-Braun-Preis for his charity work. Overath is a Roman Catholic and prays every day.
Honours and Awards
Köln
- Bundesliga: 1963–64
- DFB-Pokal: 1968, 1977
Germany
- FIFA World Cup: 1974; second place: 1966; third place: 1970
Individual Awards
- kicker Bundesliga Team of the Season: 1965–66, 1967–68, 1969–70, 1973–74
- FIFA XI: 1968
- FUWO European Team of the Season: 1970
- DFB-Pokal top scorer: 1971–72
- FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 1974
Images for kids
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Overath (right) in 1992
See also
In Spanish: Wolfgang Overath para niños
