Dieter Hoeneß

Bayern Munich's prolific header and 1986 World Cup finalist.

Dieter Hoeneß (born 7 January 1953) is a German former professional football player and executive. A forward during his playing career, Hoeneß was primarily associated with Bayern Munich. After retiring, he remained involved in football, working extensively in executive roles for several clubs. Hoeneß represented the West Germany national football team at the 1986 World Cup.

Quick Facts

Born: 7 January 1953
Birthplace: Ulm, West Germany
Height: 1.88 m / 6 ft 2 in
Position: Forward
Total caps: 432
Total goals: 192

Lore & Background

Born on 7 January 1953, in Ulm, West Germany, Hoeneß played as a goalkeeper at amateur level for VfB Ulm from the age of six to fourteen. The club was co-founded by his father, master butcher Erwin Hoeneß, on 13 November 1949. Along with his brother Uli, he helped the team win the 1960–61 1st district championship in the D-Youth category. From 1967 to 1973, Hoeneß played for TSG Ulm 1846. In 1973, at the age of 20, he moved to VfR Aalen in the first amateur league (third division), before joining the professional ranks in 1975 with VfB Stuttgart, which was then in the second division.

Reader's Guide

Dieter Hoeneß played as a forward during his professional career. He began at VfB Ulm as a goalkeeper from age six to fourteen, then moved to TSG Ulm 1846 (1967–1973), VfR Aalen (1973), and VfB Stuttgart (1975). He joined Bayern Munich in 1979, winning five league titles and three cups, scoring 127 goals in 288 top-division matches. He retired in 1987. After playing, he worked as a PR manager for Commodore International, then as commercial/general manager for VfB Stuttgart (1990–1995), vice-president and later general manager of Hertha BSC (1997–2009), and general manager of VfL Wolfsburg (2010–2011).

Did You Know?

Hoeneß scored five goals in 21 minutes during a 6–0 home win over Eintracht Braunschweig on 25 February 1984.
He played in the 1986 World Cup final against Argentina, replacing Felix Magath at the hour mark.
Hoeneß was the oldest player on the field in that final, at 33 years and 173 days.
He scored 26 goals in 52 European Cup appearances for Bayern Munich.
His brother Uli was also a successful forward and later Bayern Munich's general manager and club president.