Lothar Emmerich
The forward who scored 115 goals in 183 games and led Dortmund to their first European trophy.
Lothar 'Emma' Emmerich (1941–2003) was a German forward who played as a central figure for Borussia Dortmund during their most successful early Bundesliga years. Born in Dortmund-Dorstfeld, he became known for his lethal finishing, scoring 115 goals in just 183 league matches. His career peaked in 1966 when he won five caps for West Germany, four of them at the World Cup where they finished as runners-up. Emmerich secured major silverware with Dortmund, including the 1963 German championship and the 1965–66 European Cup Winners' Cup. He was also a two-time Bundesliga top scorer (1965–66, 1966–67) before topping the Belgian First Division in 1969–70.
Quick Facts
- Born
- 29 November 1941
- Birthplace
- Dorstfeld, Germany
- Died
- 13 August 2003
- Place of death
- Hemer, Germany
- Height
- 1.78 m / 5 ft 10 in
- Position
- Forward, winger
- Total caps
- 472
- Total goals
- 280
Lore & Background
Emmerich joined Borussia Dortmund right as the Bundesliga launched in 1963. He quickly proved himself a devastating scorer, netting 115 goals across only 183 matches—an efficiency that made him indispensable. His greatest club triumph came in 1965–66 when he helped secure the European Cup Winners' Cup. Domestically, he claimed the German championship in 1963 and the DFB-Pokal in 1964–65. Emmerich was so prolific that he won back-to-back Bundesliga top scorer awards in 1965–66 and 1966–67. His success didn't stop at Germany's borders; after leaving Dortmund, he moved to Belgium and topped the First Division charts in 1969–70. Known as 'Emma', he was born in Dortmund-Dorstfeld.
Reader's Guide
He won the German championship in 1963, the DFB-Pokal in 1964–65, and the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1965–66. His goal-scoring prowess was unmatched: 115 goals in 183 Bundesliga matches earned him two consecutive top scorer awards (1965–66, 1966–67). Internationally, he made five appearances for West Germany in 1966, four during the World Cup where they finished runners-up. His career also included a successful spell in Belgium, where he topped the scoring charts in 1969–70. Born in Dortmund-Dorstfeld on November 29, 1941, and passing away in Hemer on August 13, 2003, Emmerich remains a symbol of clinical finishing from Germany's early Bundesliga era.
International Peak and World Cup
Emmerich earned five caps for West Germany in 1966. Four of these appearances occurred during that year's FIFA World Cup. The team finished as runners-up after a dramatic final against England.
Life Span and Personal Legacy
Born on November 29, 1941, in Dortmund-Dorstfeld, Emmerich died on August 13, 2003, in Hemer from cancer. He was known by the nickname 'Emma' throughout his career.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in Borussia Dortmund
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced