Sepp Maier

Born in Metten, Bavaria, Maier spent his entire professional career at Bayern Munich. He began playing for Bayern's youth sides in 1958.[6] During the 1970s, he was part of the legendary Bayern team which included the likes of Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Müller which won four West German league titles, three German cups, and three consecutive European Cups (1974 defeating Atlético Madrid, 1975 defeating Leeds United, 1976 defeating AS Saint-Étienne). He had previously tasted success in Europe in 1967 when Bayern won the European Cup Winners Cup, defeating Rangers F.C. in the final in extra time. In the five games of the four European finals, the 1974 title having been won in a replay, Maier allowed a total of one goal.

Maier was elected German Footballer of the Year in 1975, 1977, and 1978. Between 1966 and 1979 he played in 442 consecutive Bundesliga matches, still a German national record.[7]

Maier holding the 1974 FIFA World Cup trophy

Maier was selected in the West Germany squad for four consecutive World Cups. In 1966 in England, he was a non-playing deputy to Hans Tilkowski. At the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, he was the undisputed starter and played all games (including the legendary 3–4 semifinal loss to Italy after extra time) except the third-place match.[8]

In the 1974 FIFA World Cup on home soil, at the top of his footballing abilities, he reached the peak of his international career as the Germans went all the way to the final with a legendary team that included the likes of Franz Beckenbauer, Berti Vogts, Gerd Müller and Paul Breitner. The greatest triumph came when the hosts defeated a Johan Cruyff-led Netherlands team 2–1 in the final in Maier's own hometown Munich.

Four years later at the World Cup in Argentina, slightly past his peak but still formidable, Maier delivered a strong performance but could not prevent his side's failing to advance past the second round. Maier also won the 1972 European Championship with West Germany and reached the final in 1976, losing to Czechoslovakia on penalty kicks. On this occasion he was on the receiving end of the original Panenka penalty. In all, he earned 95 caps for his country.

Bayern Munich[14]

• Regionalliga Süd: 1964–65
• Bundesliga: 1968–69, 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74
• DFB-Pokal: 1965–66, 1966–67, 1968–69, 1970–71
• European Cup: 1973–74, 1974–75, 1975–76
• European Cup Winners' Cup: 1966–67
• Intercontinental Cup: 1976

West Germany[14]

• FIFA World Cup: 1974
• UEFA European Championship: 1972

• FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 1974[15]
• kicker Bundesliga Team of the Season: 1974–75[16]
• Footballer of the Year (Germany): 1975, 1977, 1978[14]
• FIFA 100[14]
• Germany's goalkeeper of the Century[14]
• World Soccer: The 100 Greatest Footballers of All Time[17]
• One Club Man Award: 2017[18]
• Bayern Munich All-time XI[19]
• Member of Germany's Sports Hall of Fame