‘Everything that Bayern has become is due to Der Bomber’
BERLIN: Gerd Mueller’s record of 68 international goals in 62 games for West Germany earned him the nickname ‘The Bomber’ for his ability to destroy countless defences. It took Miroslav Klose more than double the number of games to finally reach the tally of 71, in 137 internationals, to better Mueller’s mark.
In the 1971/72, Mueller, who died Sunday aged 75 after battling Alzheimer’s, netted an incredible 40 league goals in 34 games. The German league record stood unchallenged until Robert Lewandowski scored for the 41st time on the final weekend of last season.
Born on November 3, 1945, Mueller’s career coincided with a golden era for both West German football and the rise of
Bayern from second division. His short, stocky frame with a barrel-like chest led to coach Zlatko Cajkovski saying: “What am I supposed to do with a weightlifter?” But Mueller’s powerful legs became the stuff of Bayern folklore. As Franz Beckenbauer said: “Everything that Bayern has become is due to Gerd Mueller and his goals.”
In 1965, Mueller, goalkeeper Sepp Maier and Beckenbauer helped Bayern win promotion. The club never looked back. In 1970, Mueller became the first German to be crowned European Footballer of the Year. Bayern became German champions for the first time in 1969, then won three straight titles in 1972, 1973 and 1974. Bayern’s dream team went on to win the European Cup thrice from 1974 to 1976. Mueller was the club’s top scorer every season from 1964/65 to 1977/78.
At the 1970 World Cup finals in Mexico, Mueller scored 10 goals to finish top scorer, before West Germany went on to win the Euro 1972. Mueller scored the winner in the 1974 World Cup final over the Netherlands in Munich.
In 1979, Mueller accepted a contract to play in the US with Fort Lauderdale Strikers. He retired in 1982 and descended into a deep crisis, battling alcoholism and depression. Bayern never forgot their goal-scoring hero and Uli Hoeness, who was then manager, helped him to get back on his feet. Mueller earned his coaching licence in 1992 and became head coach of the reserves in 1995/96. In October 2015, it was announced he was suffering from Alzheimer’s and in his later years was rarely seen in public.