Paul Breitner "Afro" - Top Soccer Legends Midfielders

Paul Breitner

Paul Breitner, a rebellious midfielder was born in Kolbermoor on September 5, 1951.

He got called “Afro” due to his hair style during his career.

Paul Breitner began his successful career at the age of 6, at the local club SV-DJK Kolbermoor. He then moved to ESV Freilassing and played for the club until 1970.

Club Career

1970 was the year he signed his professional contract, with Bayern Munich. Breitner drew everyone’s attention during his spell at Bayern. He won Bundesliga for 4 consecutive years, from 1970 to 1974; also DFB-Pokal in 1970-1971 season.

Bayern Munich

After winning 1973-1974 UEFA Champions League with Bayern, Paul transferred to Real Madrid. He helped Madrid win La Liga and Copa del Rey in 1974-1975. After winning La Liga also in 1975-1976 season, Breitner joined Eintracht Braunschweig for 1977-1978 season.

In 1978, Paul Breitner returned to Bayern Munich, where his glory started. He played in harmony with his teammate Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, such that; people called the duo “Breitnigge”.

Bundesliga

His move to midfield from left back happened in these years.

Paul Breitner won Bundesliga in 1979-1980 and 1980-1981. The following season Paul helped the club win DFB-Pokal 1981-1982, and finish runners-up in UEFA Champions League.

Breitner played for Bayern until 1983, having a total of 146 appearances.

West Germany National Team

He joined the national team in 1971, after playing for Youth and U23 squads.

He was the part of the squad that won UEFA European Football Championship in 1972.

World Cup

He became one of the 4 players that scored in two World Cup final matches. Firstly in World Cup 1974 final, he scored the 1^st goal of Germany against the Netherlands. After the tournament he earned the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team award.

Paul Breitner scored the only goal of Germany as they lost 3-1 to Italy and finished runners-up in World Cup 1982.