1. FC Köln is mourning the death of Hans Schäfer. The biggest sporting icon and formative personality in club history passed away on the 7th of November.

It was just a few weeks ago that “de Knoll” was celebrating his 90th birthday. The once-called “best left-winger in the world” celebrated the way he loved most – quietly with a circle of close friends and family. His humility was reflected in his birthday wish: “The most important things are health and happiness.” Hans Schäfer, World Cup champion in 1954, won two German titles with “his” FC. His passing is not just a loss to the club, but to the whole city of Cologne.



FC President Werner Spinner states: “The entire FC family is grieving deeply and our thoughts are with the family of Hans Schäfer. We are losing one of the greatest personalities 1. FC Köln has ever known. As a world champion and icon of this club, Hans Schäfer’s name will live forever.”



FC Vice-President Toni Schumacher states: “1. FC Köln has had many great personalities, but with the “Miracle of Bern” Hans Schäfer is without doubt the greatest. The FC family is losing a giant, who was a role model for countless footballers. The then best left-wing in the world was wild and ambitious on the pitch. Those are traits that connect us over generations. I was proud when he told me, “Toni, we would have been a great fit together.” We are grieving with his family and will always honor his memory in our club.”



Hans Schäfer was born 19 October 1927 in Cologne, Zollstock. Schäfer joined 1. FC Köln on 1 April 1948, less than two months after the club was formed. He went on to become a two-time German champion with 1. FC Köln, a World Cup champion with West-Germany, Footballer of the year 1963, and the all-time top goal scorer in 1. FC Köln club history. He passed away on 7 November 2017 as one of the greatest German footballers of all time and the biggest sporting icon in 1. FC Köln history.



1. FC Köln recently spoke with Hans Schäfer on his 90th birthday. The interview can be read here.

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