Bayern Munich and Germany legend Gerd Muller has died aged 75 following a six-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Muller enjoyed a glitzing 19 year playing career between 1962-81 as he began his career at TSV 1861 Nordlingen before spending 15 seasons at Bayern Munich prior to concluding his playing years at North American Soccer League’s Fort Lauderdale Strikers between 1979-81.
It however was at Bayern where Muller enjoyed majority of his success with 566 goals in 607 competitive appearances across all competitions and 14 trophies, as well as the record for most goals in Bundesliga history with 365 goals of which he finished as top scorer in seven seasons.
On the international stage, Muller scored 68 goals in 62 international caps for West Germany between 1966 and 1974, which concluded with World Cup success on home soil as he scored the winning goal in a comeback 2-1 victory against Netherlands in the Final two years after West Germany won 1972 Euros.
Paying tribute to Muller, Bayern Munich President, Herbert Hainer said: “Today is a sad, dark day for FC Bayern and all its fans. Gerd Müller was the greatest striker there’s ever been, and a fine person and character of world football.
“We’re all united in deep mourning with his wife Uschi as well as his family. FC Bayern wouldn’t be the club we all love today without Gerd Müller. His name and memory will live on forever.”
Bayern CEO, Oliver Kahn added that the news “deeply saddens” every member of the club and fans alike, as he hailed Muller as “one of the greatest legends” of not just Bayern but German football too with “unrivalled” achievements.
German Football Association meanwhile tweeted that their thoughts are with Muller’s family as they mourn his death.
The DFB is mourning the passing of one of the greatest German footballers of all time. Rest in peace, Gerd Müller.
Our thoughts are with his wife and family at this time. pic.twitter.com/2kkIgiYtcO
— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) August 15, 2021
Muller in total across his club and international playing career scored 722 goals in 778 appearances and went on to become a Youth Coach at Bayern Munich, following a battle with alcoholism following his retirement.
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