Jürgen Kohler

Jürgen Kohler played for Borussia Dortmund from 1995 to 2002.

Jürgen Kohler (born 6 October 1965) is a German former professional footballer and manager, who played as a centre-back. He is currently the U17 manager of Bonner SC. During his playing career, he won the World Cup with the German national team in 1990 and the European Championship in 1996. At club level, he won the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Cup, three German championships, and one Italian championship as a player of Bayern Munich, Juventus Turin and Borussia Dortmund.

Quick Facts

Height: 1.86 m / 6 ft 1 in
Born: 6 October 1965
Birthplace: Lambsheim, West Germany
Current club: Bonner SC (U17 manager)
Position: Centre-back
Total caps: 500
Total goals: 36

Lore & Background

Kohler enjoyed a lengthy career at the highest level with exactly 500 top flight league matches, playing primarily as a centre back in the German Bundesliga, and in the Italian Serie A. He began his professional career at Waldhof Mannheim, making his Bundesliga debut as a substitute against 1. FC Kaiserslautern in April 1984. His first professional goal came in a 5–2 defeat of FC Schalke 04 on 26 January 1985. A two-year spell at 1.

FC Köln preceded a transfer to Bayern Munich. In 1991, Kohler transferred to Juventus. After being named Serie A's best foreign player for 1992, he won the 1992–93 UEFA Cup against Borussia Dortmund, as well as a league and cup double in the 1994–95 season. Returning to Germany to play for Dortmund in 1995, he won another league championship in 1996 and helped the club to the 1997 UEFA Champions League Final, where Dortmund defeated his former club Juventus.

He was named Footballer of the Year (Germany) for 1997. In the 2001–02 season, he won his third Bundesliga title with Dortmund and reached the final of the UEFA Cup. In his final professional appearance, the 2002 UEFA Cup Final against Feyenoord, Kohler was sent off for a foul on Jon Dahl Tomasson in the 31st minute. At international level, he made over 100 appearances for Germany, playing at three FIFA World Cups and three UEFA European Championships, winning the 1990 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 1996.

Reader's Guide

Regarded by pundits as one of the best defenders of his generation, Kohler was a complete and physically strong centre-back, famed for his defensive perception, anticipation, quick reactions, marking, and tactical sense. He was also known for his prowess in the air, which made him a goal threat during set-pieces. Although a powerful and hard-tackling but fair stopper, he was also known for his composure and finesse when in possession, and his ability to play the ball out of defence. He stood out for his mentality, professionalism, and leadership qualities. He struggled with injuries throughout his career, which occasionally limited his playing time and affected his form and consistency. He was predominantly right-footed and not particularly adept with his weaker left foot. He was also known for his professional rivalry with Dutch striker Marco van Basten.