Bernd Schuster

Lore & Background

Schuster started his professional career with 1. FC Köln at age 18 in 1978. He left Köln after the 1980 European campaign to sign with Spain's FC Barcelona. During his career, he played for clubs Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen. At his final team, the Mexican side Pumas de la UNAM he appeared in ten matches in spring 1997. While at Barcelona, he won the European Silver Ball in 1980 and the Bronze Ball in 1981 and 1985. In 1993, Schuster returned home to Germany to play for three seasons with Bayer Leverkusen. Despite his contributions, the club was unable to capture Bundesliga and German Cup titles. In the UEFA Golden Jubilee Poll to name the finest European players of the last five decades, Schuster finished 40th.

Reader's Guide

Schuster is considered one of the best midfielders of his generation. Earlier in his career, he operated as a box-to-box attacking midfielder. Injuries at Barcelona caused him to lose his pace, leading his coaches to move him to a deep-lying playmaking role. He was also an expert free-kick taker and possessed a powerful shot. Primarily a midfielder, he was also capable of playing as a sweeper. He was nicknamed "The Blonde Angel" because of his long blonde hair.

Did You Know?

• In 1994, in the national TV-Station ARD 'Goal of the year' election, Schuster won the first three places.
• Schuster retired from the West Germany national team at the age of 24 due to repeated disagreements with the German Football Association.