Paul Breitner
Paul Breitner is a former German footballer who is regarded as one of the country's all-time greats. He was one of the most popular and controversial players in the country, scoring in the 1974 FIFA World Cup final for West Germany. He won 48 caps for West Germany during his career and was chosen to the FIFA World Cup All-Time Team. He was born in Bavaria and began playing football at a young age. As a youth, he drew attention for his playing abilities since he was lanky, athletic, and had a lot of stamina. As a 17-year-old, he was selected for West Germany's Under-18 team, which set the tone for the rest of his illustrious career. He began courting controversy early in his career with his politically incorrect comments as a brave and rebellious kid. His exquisite playing style, however, compensated for his bravado, and he quickly established himself at Bayern Munich, where he would spend the majority of his career. He was a member of the German squad that won the European Championship in 1972, and two years later he assisted his side in winning the FIFA World Cup in 1974. He began working as a commentator, pundit, and columnist after retiring.
Childhood and Adolescence
Paul Breitner was born in Kolbermoor, Bavaria, West Germany, on September 5, 1951. His parents instilled in him the will to be self-sufficient from an early age. He was taught never to obey authority just for the sake of obeying it, a lesson he would never forget.
He grew into a tall, powerful, and athletic young man with a passion for athletics. By the time he was in his teens, he had developed into a good footballer, particularly as a striker.
Career
As a 17-year-old, he was selected for West Germany's Under-18 team, which marked the start of his sporting career. In a 4-1 loss against Yugoslavia on his debut, he scored one goal.
In 1970, he became a member of Bayern Munich. However, he received a draught notification from the army not long after. He tried to avoid being drafted, but he ended up having to serve in the army for a short time.
By 1971, he had established himself as a popular Bayern Munich player. His first major accomplishment came in 1972 when he was a member of the German team that won the European Championship.
In 1974, he made history by scoring the first German goal on a penalty kick against the Netherlands in the 1974 FIFA World Cup final and assisting his team to victory.
He had already established himself as a famous football player in Germany, and he was receiving contract offers from foreign clubs. He quit the West German team after the World Cup and joined Real Madrid.
Many of his admirers were surprised when he left the West German team, but he later emphasized that playing for Real Madrid had always been his desire. He played for Real Madrid under coach Miljan Miljanic, who moved him to the midfield, where he met fellow German Gunter Netzer, with whom he became lifelong friends.
In 1976, he was given a film part as a hugely popular sporting superstar. He starred in 'Potato Fritz,' a spaghetti western about Germans who stumble across some gold robbers.
At the close of the 1976-77 season, Real Madrid was in bad form, and the team was knocked out of the European Cup in the second round. Breitner departed the club during this time and returned to Bayern Munich in 1978.
During the 1981-82 season, he set a career-high with 18 goals, but he regarded the season to be unpleasant overall. He led West Germany to the 1982 World Cup final in Spain, where Italy defeated them 3-1. The one saving grace was that Paul Breitner scored the only goal for West Germany.
After an extremely successful club career in which he won seven National Championships—five with Bayern Munich and two with Real Madrid—he retired in 1983. In 1974, he also assisted his side in winning the Champions' Cup and the Spanish Cup in 1975.
He began working as a commentator, analyst, and columnist in Germany after retiring. He also serves as a consultant to Bayern's executive board.
Achievements & Awards
In 1974, Paul Breitner was selected for the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team.
He was selected Germany's Footballer of the Year in 1981.
He was also chosen to be FIFA's All-Time World Cup Team.
Personal History and Legacy
He is married to Hildegard Breitner and has three adult children with her. He's also a proud grandfather who adores his children and grandchildren.