Matthias Sindelar –

Matthias Sindelar was not just a footballing icon for Austrians, he is a symbol of strength and perseverance amongst even the greatest of oppression. His oppressors were the Nazi regime.

Learning his craft in the streets of Vienna, Matthias would get his 1st chance at Hertha Vienna.

Upon proving himself, he then got a dream move to FK Austria Vienna where he would mop up 5 Austrian Cups, Austrian league title, 2 Mitropa Cups and a Central European International Cup.

Upon the Nazi regime annexing his home country of Austria, the national team would be dissolved after one last friendly against Axis Germany.

Many chances were missed in what looked like intentional blunders from Austria, maybe due to fear of reprisal from the onlooking Nazi senior officials.

Sindelar, however, had no such fear when he and fellow countryman Karl Sesta put 2 goals past the Germans in the last 20 minutes to beat Germany 2-0.

Sindelar reportedly celebrated like a man possessed in front of onlooking senior Nazi officials wearing his red and white Austrian colours proudly.

He later refused to play for Axis Germany following the dissolution of the Austrian team, claiming old age as his primary reason.

On the 23rd of January 1939, he and his girlfriend Camilla Castagnola were found dead in his Vienna home, carbon monoxide poisoning the proposed cause of death.

It was later revealed by a close friend that his death may have been a covered-up suicide to allow for Sindelar to receive a state funeral. Murder or suicide would not have allowed for this otherwise.

He posthumously received awards for ‘Best Austrian footballer of the 20th century’ and ‘Austrian sportsman of the century’ in a move which paid respect to his massive contribution to his legacy on and off the pitch.