Paul Breitner

After leaving school, Paul Breitner studied special education in Munich. However, he abandons his studies to pursue a career in soccer. Together with Uli Hoeneß, Breitner joins the national youth team coached by Udo Lattek. In 1970, Lattek took him to FC Bayern, where he made a name for himself as a left-sided attacking defender. He played a major part in FC Bayern's success at this time. At the age of 19, Paul Breitner played his first game for the German national team and soon earned himself a regular place. He became European champion in 1972 and converted a foul penalty in the 1974 World Cup final on home soil to become world champion. In the same year, he moved to Real Madrid and achieved several successes with Günter Netzer, winning the national championship in 1975 and 1976 and the cup in 1975. After winning the World Cup and being heavily criticized by national coach Helmut Schön, Breitner announces his departure from the national team. After three years in Spain, he returned to Germany in 1977 and played for Eintracht Braunschweig for a year. The following year, he transferred again to FC Bayern Munich and became German champion again in 1980 and 1981. In 1981, he was again nominated for the national team and played a further 20 international matches. He ended his active sporting career in 1982 due to injury. His subsequent entrepreneurial career (real estate, marketing, advertising) was successful and soon brought him economic independence. Since the beginning of his career, Paul Breitner has been considered a rebel: "There's one thing I can't do: keep my mouth shut and be a diplomat".