Looking back on it after the event, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge described joining FC Bayern in 1974 as a “kamikaze mission.” The 💲 club had just won the Bundesliga three times in a row, so how was an unknown 18-year-old striker from Borussia 💲 Lippstadt supposed to break into the team?
But Rummenigge succeeded. He was a regular by the time of his second season 💲 with FCB in 1975/76, and made his full international debut for Germany on 6 October 1976. His main attributes were 💲 dynamism, pace and utter conviction, combined with an exceptional nose for goal. His career stats show that he scored more 💲 than a goal every two games in a red shirt as he finished on 162 goals in 310 Bundesliga appearances 💲 and ranks as the club’s second highest all-time scorer behind Gerd Müller.
Extensive medal collection
Rummenigge won a host of medals and 💲 awards in his time with FC Bayern: he was top scorer in the Bundesliga three times (1980, 1981, 1984), Player 💲 of the Year in Germany (1980) and Europe (1980, 1981), Intercontinental Cup winner (1976), European Cup winner (1975, 1976), European 💲 Cup Winners’ Cup winner (1982, 1984), and German champion (1980, 1981). He was also a European championship winner with Germany 💲 in 1980.
“Kalle” left Bayern at the end of the 1984 season, joining Inter Milan for the then record fee of 💲 almost €6 million. He moved on in 1987 and wound down his playing career in a two-year spell with Servette 💲 Geneva. “I say goodbye gladly, because I've lived and enjoyed this job to the full for 15 years,” he said 💲 after hanging up his boots. Rummenigge was a model professional who only ever hit the headlines for his deeds on 💲 the pitch and not off it. Always careful to avoid controversy and scandal, he remains a firm believer in correct 💲 behaviour and discipline to this day.
Back at Bayern as a visionary
“Kalle” returned to FCB as vice president in 1991 after 💲 the club had enjoyed a poor season by its own high standards. He joined forces with Franz Beckenbauer and Uli 💲 Hoeneß in charting a course back to success, soon earning him a reputation as a footballing visionary. Nowadays he is 💲 the equivalent of the club’s “foreign minister" with a variety of tasks and functions in the wider footballing world.
From 2002 💲 until 30 June 2024, he served as CEO of FC Bayern München AG. He also represented FC Bayern and German 💲 football in national and international bodies. From 2008 to 2024 he was chairman of the European Club Association (ECA).
