Rudi Völler

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Völler began his professional career at Kickers Offenbach, then joined 1860 Munich, and was top scorer of the 2. Bundesliga in 1981–82. He moved to Werder Bremen, becoming Bundesliga top scorer in 1982–83. He transferred to Roma in 1987, winning the Coppa Italia in 1991 and being runner-up in the UEFA Cup that season. At Marseille, he won the French title and Champions League in 1992–93, though the league title was later stripped due to a match-fixing scandal. He returned to Germany in 1994, ending his playing career at Bayer Leverkusen. He made his senior debut for West Germany in 1982, played in three World Cups and three European Championships, and won the 1990 World Cup. He reached World Cup finals as a player in 1986 and 1990 and as manager in 2002. After retiring, he served as sporting director and interim manager at Leverkusen, then as Germany national team manager (leading them to the 2002 final), had a short spell at Roma, and returned to Leverkusen as sporting director until 2022. In February 2023, he became sporting director of the Germany national team.

In Their Own Story

The rain fell hard on the pitch as the clock ticked into stoppage time at the Bökelbergstadion. Völler stood over the ball, chest heaving, eyes fixed on the goalmouth. A cross swung in from the right wing, high and curling. He timed his jump perfectly, rising above two defenders to meet the leather with a thunderous header that crashed into the net, sending the green crowd into a roar of approval.

Reader's Guide

Völler is a former striker known for consistent goalscoring. He was nicknamed 'Tante Käthe' due to his permed hairstyle and 'Il tedesco volante' by Roma fans. He scored 47 goals in 90 caps for Germany, including eight in World Cup final rounds. He is joint-fourth on Germany's all-time goalscorers list with Jürgen Klinsmann.

Did You Know?

• Völler was nicknamed 'Tante Käthe' by Thomas Berthold because of his permed hair.
• He scored in two consecutive World Cup finals (1986 and 1990), both against Argentina.
• He was sent off alongside Frank Rijkaard in the 1990 World Cup second round after Rijkaard spat on him.
• Völler is one of four people to reach a World Cup final as both player and manager.