Rudi Völler

Lore & Background

Völler began his professional career at 1860 Munich (1977–1980), then played for Kickers Offenbach (1980–1982) before joining Werder Bremen in 1982. He was the top scorer of the 2. Bundesliga in 1981–82 while at Kickers Offenbach, and the Bundesliga in 1982–83. He moved to Roma in 1987, winning the Coppa Italia and being runner-up in the UEFA Cup in 1990–91, and was top scorer of the UEFA Cup that season. He transferred to Marseille in 1992, winning the French title (later stripped due to a match-fixing scandal) and the Champions League in 1992–93. He returned to Germany in 1994 and played for Bayer Leverkusen until 1996, ending his playing career there. After retiring, he became sporting director of Leverkusen, served as interim manager, and later managed the Germany national team, leading them to the 2002 World Cup final. He also had a short spell as manager of Roma and later returned to Leverkusen as sporting director until 2022.

In Their Own Story

The floodlights hummed over the wet grass as the clock ticked past eighty minutes. Völler stood in the box, breath visible in the cold air, waiting for the cross from the wing. The crowd roared, a sea of red and white anticipating the moment. He leaped, timing his header perfectly against the defender's challenge. The net rippled behind the keeper. It was not just a goal; it was a statement that this club belonged here.

Reader's Guide

Völler made his senior debut for West Germany in 1982. He played in three World Cups (1986, 1990, 1994) and three European Championships (1984, 1988, 1992). He scored 47 goals in 90 caps. He was runner-up in the 1986 World Cup and winner in 1990. He is joint-fourth on Germany's all-time goalscorer list with Jürgen Klinsmann.

Did You Know?

• Völler was nicknamed 'Tante Käthe' due to his permed hairstyle, a name given by Thomas Berthold.
• In Italy, he was called 'Il tedesco volante' ('The flying German') by Roma supporters.
• He reached a World Cup final as both a player (1986 and 1990) and as a manager (2002), a feat shared with only Mário Zagallo, Franz Beckenbauer, and Didier Deschamps.
• He was sent off along with Frank Rijkaard in the 1990 World Cup second-round match after Rijkaard spat on him.