This Day in History: 2023-08-15

Nr. 498

UWE SEELER RETIRES FROM HAMBURG (1972)

Hailed as one of the most consistent and best forwards in the world in the 1950s and 1960s, Uwe Seeler spent his entire career at his home town club Hamburg SV, scoring over 550 goals in some 700 senior appearances. The stocky Seeler possessed a fierce shot that left goalkeepers floundering, a talent he put to good use in four World Cup campaigns, scoring in each to equal Pelé’s record. At home he was voted Germany’s Footballer of the Year three times. When he retired his reputation was underlined by the benefit match appearance of stars such as Geoff Hurst, George Best, Bobby Charlton, Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Muller.

His burly physique was deceiving, for Uwe Seeler was a deadly finisher with a ferocious shot who delivered for both club and country.