August 15, (THEWILL) – One of the best ever strikers for Germany and Bayern Munich, Gerd Muller, has died at the age of 75.
Honoured as a legend and deservedly spoken of as one of the greatest strikers of all-time, Muller was part of the West German side that won the 1972 European Championships and World Cup of 1974.
In 62 international appearances, the prolific marksman scored 68 goals, including 14 at the World Cup. That clinical form in front of goal made him the tournament’s all-time leading scorer until Brazil’s Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima surpassed his mark in 2006.
At the instance of confirming his passing, his beloved club Bayern Munich put out a statement that read: “Today the world of FC Bayern stands still. The German record champions and its entire fan base mourn Gerd Müller who died early Sunday morning at the age of 75.
“Gerd Müller made history with the German record champions and the German national team. He scored an unbelievable 566 goals in 607 competitive games for FC Bayern and set the unprecedented record of 365 goals in the Bundesliga, he also secured the top scorer seven times. For the DFB selection, he scored 68 times in 62 missions.”
In a glittering career with the Bavarian giants, the goal-machine scored a still-standing Bundesliga record of 365 goals. His iconic pedigree is remembered for netting an incredible 566 times in just 607 appearances as he smashed every goal-scoring record available.
Oliver Kahn, Die Roten CEO, mourned the icon by saying: “The news of Gerd Müller’s death affects us all deeply. He is one of the greatest legends in the history of FC Bayern, his achievements are unmatched to this day and will forever be part of the great history of FC Bayern and all of German football.
“As a player and as a person, Gerd Müller stands like no other for FC Bayern and its development into one of the largest clubs in the world. Gerd will be in our hearts forever. ”
Herbert Hainer, the club President, added: “Today is a sad, black day for FC Bayern and all of its fans. Gerd Müller was the greatest striker there has ever been – and a fine person, a personality in world football. We are united in deep sorrow with his family. Without Gerd Müller, FC Bayern would not be the club we all love today. His name and the memory of him will live on forever. “
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
