Bernd Hölzenbein, a German football legend who famously won a crucial penalty in West Germany’s 1974 World Cup final victory over the Netherlands, has passed away at the age of 78. His former club Eintracht Frankfurt announced his death on Tuesday, stating that he passed away while surrounded by his family.
Hölzenbein played a total of 40 games for West Germany and is considered one of the country’s greatest players. He spent the majority of his club career with Eintracht Frankfurt, winning the UEFA Cup in 1980 and the German Cup three times. Despite retiring from football, he continued to work with Frankfurt as a vice president and scout.
Hölzenbein’s most memorable moment came during the 1974 World Cup final when West Germany made a comeback to defeat the Netherlands on home soil. After the Dutch took an early lead with a penalty, Hölzenbein was brought down in the box, leading to a penalty converted by Paul Breitner to level the score. West Germany ultimately won the match with a goal from Gerd Müller just before halftime. In addition to his World Cup heroics, Hölzenbein also played in the 1976 European Championship final, where he scored a goal against Czechoslovakia. Despite his efforts, West Germany lost in a penalty shootout.
Bernd Hölzenbein will always be remembered for his contributions to German football and his role in some of the country’s most iconic moments on the international stage.