Paul Breitner, a former German footballer, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of German football. Known for his controversial yet captivating style of play, Breitner played a crucial role in West Germany’s victory in the 1974 FIFA World Cup, even scoring in the final. With 48 caps for his country, he was also honored by being named in the FIFA World Cup All-Time Team. Born in Bavaria, Breitner’s passion for football ignited at a young age, and his exceptional skills quickly caught the attention of many. Despite his rebellious nature and politically incorrect comments, his remarkable playing abilities overshadowed any controversy. He found his home in Bayern Munich, where he spent the majority of his career. Notably, he was part of the German team that triumphed in the 1972 European Championship and played a pivotal role in their World Cup victory two years later. After retiring from professional football, Breitner transitioned into a successful career as a commentator, pundit, and columnist.
Quick Facts
- German Celebrities Born In September
- Age: 72 Years
- Male
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Hildegard Breitner
- Father: Paul Breitner sen
- Mother: Anni Breitner
- Children: Max Breitner
- Football Players
- Height: 5’9″ (175 cm)
Childhood & Early Life
Paul Breitner was born on 5 September 1951 in Kolbermoor, Bavaria, West Germany. From a young age, he was encouraged to be independent-minded by his parents. He was taught never to obey authority just for the sake of it, a lesson he would always hold close to his heart.
He grew up to be a tall, strong, and athletic boy with a keen interest in sports. He became a skilled footballer by the time he was in his teens, especially proficient as a striker.
Career
He was selected into the West Germany Under-18 side as a 17-year-old, marking the beginning of his sporting career. He scored one goal on his debut, a 4-1 defeat to Yugoslavia.
He joined the Bayern Munich club in 1970. But soon after, he received a draft notice from the army. He tried to escape the drafting though eventually he had to serve in the army for a short while.
By 1971 he was able to establish himself as a popular player for Bayern. He achieved his first big success in 1972 when he was a part of the German team that won the European Championship.
In 1974, a bigger achievement awaited him—he scored the first German goal on a penalty kick against the Netherlands in the final of the 1974 FIFA World Cup—and helped his team emerge victorious.
By this time he had become a great football star in Germany and was receiving contract offers from other clubs as well. Following the World Cup, he left the West German squad and moved to Real Madrid.
His quitting the West German squad came as a shock to many of his fans, but he later clarified that it was always his dream to play for Real Madrid. In Real Madrid, he played under coach Miljan Miljanic who moved him into midfield where he got the opportunity to play alongside fellow German Gunter Netzer with whom he became lifelong friends.
A highly popular sporting superstar by now, he was offered a film role in 1976. He starred in the spaghetti western movie ‘Potato Fritz’, a story about Germans who come across some gold thieves.
Real Madrid was performing very poorly at the end of the 1976-77 season, and the team was eliminated from the European Cup in the second round. During this time Breitner left the club and returned to Bayern Munich in 1978.
He scored a career-best 18 goals during the 1981-82 season but found the season to be a frustrating one on the whole. During the 1982 World Cup in Spain, he guided West Germany to the final where Italy beat them 3-1. The only consolation was that Paul Breitner scored the only West German goal.
He retired in 1983 after a highly successful club career over the course of which he won seven National Championships—five with Bayern Munich and two with Real Madrid. He also helped his team win the Champions’ Cup in 1974 as well as the Spanish Cup in 1975.
Awards & Achievements
Paul Breitner was named to the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team in 1974.
In 1981, he was named Footballer of the Year in Germany.
He was also named to the FIFA World Cup All-Time Team.
Personal Life & Legacy
He is married to Hildegard Breitner with whom he has three grown-up children. He is also a proud grandfather who completely dotes on his grandchildren.