Günter Netzer

Günter Theodor Netzer, born on 14 September 1944, is a German former professional footballer who later worked as an executive and television pundit. He rose to prominence with Borussia Mönchengladbach in the early 1970s and then moved to Spain in 1973 to play for Real Madrid. A technically gifted playmaker, he operated as an attacking midfielder or as a deep-lying playmaker, and he is regarded as one of the greatest midfielders and passers in the history of the sport. He was voted German Footballer of the Year twice, in 1972 and 1973. After his playing days he became general manager of Hamburger SV, serving through much of the club's golden period from the late 1970s into the early 1980s, when it won three league titles and the 1983 European Cup. His career therefore spans elite club play, front office leadership and broadcasting.