Dieter Herzog, world soccer champion in 1974, has died. As his former club Bayer Leverkusen announced on their website, citing his family, the former left winger died this week at the age of 79. Also Herzog’s first Bundesliga club Fortuna Düsseldorf publish an obituary.
Dieter Herzog played two of his five international matches at the 1974 home World Cup. The Oberhausen native featured in a 2-0 win against Yugoslavia and a 4-2 win against Sweden.
From Hamborn to Dusseldorf
Herzog’s rise began in 1970 with his move from Sportfreunde Hamborn 07 to Fortuna Düsseldorf. He played his first match in the Bundesliga in August 1971 and played 201 times for Fortuna.
“The club has lost an extraordinary footballer and someone who has left a formative mark on the club’s history over many years,” the second division team wrote. The club “honors one of the greatest players in the club’s history and will honor the memory of Dieter Herzog.”
Moved to Bayer Leverkusen
In 1976, the world champion made a surprise move to second division club Bayer Leverkusen, with whom he was promoted to the Bundesliga and remained loyal to him for 193 matches until 1983. At the age of 36, Herzog ended his career. He then worked at Werkself in the scouting department and was responsible for player and game observation.
“Dieter Herzog and Bayer – this relationship was characterized by the highest level of mutual respect,” Bayer Leverkusen wrote in its obituary. The club has grown close to his heart and he has grown closer to the club, its employees and the Black and Red fans. “At Bayer 04 he will never be forgotten as a player, colleague and special person,” the club wrote.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:251120-930-319847/2
