Five former Bayern greats have been inducted into the German Football Museum’s Hall of Fame as new footballing legends. The inductees include Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Philipp Lahm, Miroslav Klose, Jürgen Kohler, and Udo Lattek, alongside Bernd Schuster, Horst Eckel, and Joachim Streich. Rummenigge, Lahm, Klose, and Kohler received their awards in person, while coaching icon Lattek was honoured posthumously, as were Streich and Eckel.
Rummenigge expressed his excitement, saying, “It’s awesome to be voted into Germany’s Hall of Fame after being named in Italy’s last year. When you read the names of the members, many memories come flooding back. Franz Beckenbauer, one of my first mentors, with whom I spent decades together at FC Bayern; Gerd Müller, from whom I learnt so much; Paul Breitner, my wonderful partner in the ‘Breitnigge’ days; and Udo Lattek, my first coach, who had a unique ability to shape a group of outstanding individuals into a great team at FC Bayern.” Rummenigge emerged as one of the world’s best strikers after joining FC Bayern in 1974.
Lahm also expressed his gratitude, saying, “To be in a squad with such German football legends is an incredible honour. I’m grateful to my teammates, coaches, and all those who have contributed to me being able to accept this extraordinary honour.” Lahm’s achievements include captaining Bayern to the Champions League title in 2013 and leading Germany to World Cup victory in 2014.
Klose, who was also part of the 2014 World Cup triumph, said, “To now be among these great players and idols myself is fantastic.” Former defender Jürgen Kohler, who also won the World Cup as a Bayern player, commented, “For me, being inducted into the Hall of Fame is one of the highest honours you can receive as a sportsman and a wonderful acknowledgement of your achievements at a high level over many years.”
The German Football Hall of Fame comprises 47 people from German men’s and women’s football. The jury is made up of sports editors of the leading football media in Germany.