Dieter Herzog, a member of West Germany’s 1974 World Cup-winning team, has died at the age of 79, the Bundesliga announced today. the celebrated winger’s passing marks the loss of a pivotal figure from one of german football’s most iconic sides.
Herzog’s triumph on the world stage cemented his place in football history, but his impact extended far beyond that single victory. He was a consistent performer at the club level for both Fortuna Düsseldorf and Bayer Leverkusen, known for his remarkable endurance and goal-scoring ability. His death is mourned by fans of both clubs and the German national team.
Herzog began his professional career with Fortuna Düsseldorf in 1970, quickly establishing himself as a key component of the squad. During his six seasons with the club, he participated in 392 matches, netting 81 goals.His debut season proved particularly impactful, as he scored 13 goals and propelled Düsseldorf to promotion to the Bundesliga.
His stellar form earned him a call-up to the West German national team in 1974,culminating in victory at the World Cup in the final against the Netherlands,2-1.
Between 1970 and 1974, Herzog demonstrated exceptional consistency, appearing in 158 consecutive league games. A standout moment during his time at Düsseldorf came in June 1975, when he scored the decisive goal in a thrilling 6-5 victory over Bayern Munich. He further cemented his legacy with a hat trick in his final appearance for the club a year later.
In 1976, Herzog moved to Bayer Leverkusen, where he continued to excel for seven years, amassing nearly 200 appearances for the team nicknamed “The Aspirins.” His dedication and skill made him a beloved figure among Leverkusen supporters.
