Hamburger SV legend and one of Germany’s greatest ever footballers Uwe Seeler dies aged 85
- Seb Sternik
- 21 July 2022
Former Bundesliga winner, golden boot recipient and world cup runner-up Uwe Seeler has died after recent health problems.
As a player, Seeler spent his entire club career at Hamburger SV from 1954 to 1972 and often rejected lucrative moves away.
During his accomplished career, the player scored 490 goals in 580 appearances and helped the club to a league title in 1960 and a DFB Pokal triumph in 1963.
"We will never forget him and will always cherish him," said Hamburg chief Jonas Boldt.
"Uwe Seeler stands for everything that characterises a good person: Down-to-earthness, loyalty, joie de vivre, plus he was always approachable. He is the epitome of HSV."
Seeler is HSV's all-time leading goalscorer and in 2005, the club unveiled a 10ft statue of his right foot outside the Volksparkstadion.
"Hamburg mourns Uwe Seeler. He was the first top scorer in the Bundesliga. He has now died surrounded by his loved ones," said a statement by the municipality of Hamburg.
Sportler, HSVer, Mensch! 🔷#UnsUwe pic.twitter.com/u9j2PoKLC5
— Hamburger SV (@HSV) July 21, 2022
The striker also enjoyed a successful international career with West Germany, scoring 43 goals in 72 games.
Seeler captained his nation 40 times, including in the world cup final loss against England back in 1966.
The German became the first player to score at four different world cups, beating Pele by a matter of minutes.
He was also named Germany's player of the year on three occasions, and came third during the 1960 Ballon d'Or.
