Paul Breitner Biography

Paul Breitner is a former German footballer, counted amongst the country’s greatest players of all time. One of the nation’s most popular yet controversial players, he played a major role in West Germany’s win in the 1974 FIFA World Cup, scoring in the final. Over his entire career, he earned 48 caps for West Germany and was named in the FIFA World Cup All-Time Team. Born in Bavaria, he became interested in football at a young age. Lanky, athletic, and blessed with good stamina, he gained attention for his playing skills as a teenager. He was selected into the West Germany Under-18 side as a 17-year-old which set the pace for his glorious future career. A bold and rebellious youngster, he started courting controversy quite early on in his career with his politically incorrect comments. However, his impeccable playing style made up for his brashness and soon he established himself in the Bayern Munich club where he would spend the major portion of his career. In 1972, he was a part of the German team that won the European Championship and two years later he helped his team win the 1974 FIFA World Cup. Following his retirement, he started working as a commentator, pundit and columnist.