Wolfgang Paul (footballer) facts for kids
| Personal information | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 25 January 1940 | |||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Olsberg, Germany | |||||||||||||||
| Date of death | 28 June 2026 (aged 86) | |||||||||||||||
| Place of death | Olsberg, Germany | |||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) | |||||||||||||||
| Position(s) | Libero | |||||||||||||||
| Youth career | ||||||||||||||||
| –1957 | TuS Bigge 06 | |||||||||||||||
| Senior career* | ||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) | |||||||||||||
| 1957–1961 | VfL Schwerte | |||||||||||||||
| 1961–1971 | Borussia Dortmund | 198 | (7) | |||||||||||||
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Medal record
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| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | ||||||||||||||||
Wolfgang Paul (25 January 1940 – 28 June 2026) was a talented German football player. He was known for playing as a libero, a special defensive role where a player helps protect the goal but also joins in attacks.
Paul became famous as the captain of Borussia Dortmund. He led his team to win the European Cup Winners Cup in 1966, which was a very important European competition. He was also chosen to be part of the West Germany squad for the 1966 FIFA World Cup in England, though he did not play in any matches during the tournament.
Sadly, Wolfgang Paul had to stop playing football earlier than expected. An injury he got in the late 1960s made it difficult for him to continue playing at a professional level. He passed away on 28 June 2026, at the age of 86, after an illness.
Contents
Wolfgang Paul: A Football Legend
Early Days and Rising Star
Wolfgang Paul was born on January 25, 1940, in Olsberg, Germany. He started his football journey at a young age, playing for local youth clubs like TuS Bigge 06. His talent quickly became clear, and he moved on to play for VfL Schwerte from 1957 to 1961.
Becoming a Borussia Dortmund Hero
In 1961, Wolfgang Paul joined Borussia Dortmund, one of Germany's biggest football clubs. He played for them for ten years, until 1971. During his time at Dortmund, he became a key player and a true leader. He was known for his strong defense and smart play as a libero.
As captain, Paul led Borussia Dortmund to a historic victory in the 1966 European Cup Winners' Cup. This was a huge achievement for the club and for German football. They also finished as runners-up in the Bundesliga that same year, showing how strong the team was under his leadership.
Representing West Germany
Wolfgang Paul's excellent performances for Borussia Dortmund caught the attention of the national team coaches. He was selected by coach Helmut Schön to join the West Germany squad for the 1966 FIFA World Cup held in England. Even though he did not get to play in a World Cup match, being part of the national team at such a major tournament was a great honor. West Germany reached the final of the 1966 World Cup, finishing as runners-up.
An Early End to a Great Career
Unfortunately, Wolfgang Paul's professional football career ended sooner than many expected. He suffered an injury in the late 1960s. This injury made it very difficult for him to continue playing at the high level required for professional football. Because of this, he had to retire from the sport.
Major Achievements and Legacy
Wolfgang Paul is remembered for his important contributions to football, especially with Borussia Dortmund. His leadership and skill helped his team achieve great success.
Club Trophies
- Borussia Dortmund
- UEFA Cup Winners' Cup: 1965–66
- Bundesliga runner-up: 1965–66
- DFB-Pokal (German Cup): 1964–65; runner-up 1962–63
International Recognition
- West Germany
- FIFA World Cup runner-up: 1966
See also
In Spanish: Wolfgang Paul (futbolista) para niños
