Rainer Bonhof

Rainer Bonhof is a German former professional footballer, born on 29 March 1952, who played as a defensive midfielder or wing-back. He was known for sudden runs forward and for a fierce shot, and the sources single out his free kicks and long throw-ins. He was a key member of the West Germany team that won the 1974 World Cup, in which he provided the assist for the winning goal against the Netherlands in the final. At club level he was a star of the Borussia Mönchengladbach side of the 1970s, which won several Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and UEFA Cup titles, and he later played for Valencia and 1. FC Köln. An ankle injury ended his playing career in 1983. He then worked as a coach, including a spell in charge of Scotland's under-21 team, and since 2024 he has been president of Borussia Mönchengladbach.