Today, DFB mourns the death of Hans Schäfer. The 1954 World Cup winner passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 90, his former club 1. FC Köln confirmed. Schäfer’s wife Isis and his daughters Stefanie and Regine were by his side at the time of his passing, 19 days after his 90th birthday. The only surviving member of the “Heroes of Bern” team is then Kaiserslautern player Horst Eckel (85).
Hans Schäfer was born in the Cologne district of Zollstock and began his footballing journey at local club DJK Rheinland. He later moved to 1. FC Köln and was a leading figure for the Billy Goats for almost two decades. Schäfer helped the club win the German Championship twice, including the inaugural Bundesliga campaign, and was a big part of the most successful period in their history.
The Effzeh icon’s biggest success came in Germany colours, however. He was a key player in coach Sepp Herberger’s 1954 World Cup winning side, and was involved in two of the goals during that 3-2 final win over Hungary in Bern.
Hans Schäfer will always be remembered.
DFB president Reinhard Grindel: "We received the news of his death with deep sadness. German football has lost an incredible player in Hans Schäfer – a strong personality who always remained down-to-earth. He didn’t just write an unforgettable chapter in the footballing history books in 1954, but that first World Cup title completely changed post-war Germany. The name Hans Schäfer will forever be associated with the Miracle of Bern. He will always be in our memories. Our sympathy goes out to his family, our thoughts are with his wife and daughters."
National team head coach Joachim Löw: "The news of Hans Schäfer’s death has made all of us here at the national team very sad. As one of the heroes of Bern, he will never be forgotten."
Team coordinator Oliver Bierhoff : "Our thoughts are with the family, relatives and friends of Hans Schäfer. If it weren’t for the World Cup win in 1954, German football would never have taken on such a rapid development, it was a moment that marked the birth of our nation’s love for football. People like Hans Schäfer will always be remembered, not just because of their World Cup titles, but above all because of how they carry themselves off the pitch. They represent modesty, humility, fair play, team spirit and keeping ones feet on the ground."
Today, DFB mourns the death of Hans Schäfer. The 1954 World Cup winner passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 90, his former club 1. FC Köln confirmed. Schäfer’s wife Isis and his daughters Stefanie and Regine were by his side at the time of his passing, 19 days after his 90th birthday. The only surviving member of the “Heroes of Bern” team is then Kaiserslautern player Horst Eckel (85).
Hans Schäfer was born in the Cologne district of Zollstock and began his footballing journey at local club DJK Rheinland. He later moved to 1. FC Köln and was a leading figure for the Billy Goats for almost two decades. Schäfer helped the club win the German Championship twice, including the inaugural Bundesliga campaign, and was a big part of the most successful period in their history.
The Effzeh icon’s biggest success came in Germany colours, however. He was a key player in coach Sepp Herberger’s 1954 World Cup winning side, and was involved in two of the goals during that 3-2 final win over Hungary in Bern.
Hans Schäfer will always be remembered.
DFB president Reinhard Grindel: "We received the news of his death with deep sadness. German football has lost an incredible player in Hans Schäfer – a strong personality who always remained down-to-earth. He didn’t just write an unforgettable chapter in the footballing history books in 1954, but that first World Cup title completely changed post-war Germany. The name Hans Schäfer will forever be associated with the Miracle of Bern. He will always be in our memories. Our sympathy goes out to his family, our thoughts are with his wife and daughters."
National team head coach Joachim Löw: "The news of Hans Schäfer’s death has made all of us here at the national team very sad. As one of the heroes of Bern, he will never be forgotten."
Team coordinator Oliver Bierhoff : "Our thoughts are with the family, relatives and friends of Hans Schäfer. If it weren’t for the World Cup win in 1954, German football would never have taken on such a rapid development, it was a moment that marked the birth of our nation’s love for football. People like Hans Schäfer will always be remembered, not just because of their World Cup titles, but above all because of how they carry themselves off the pitch. They represent modesty, humility, fair play, team spirit and keeping ones feet on the ground."
