Hans-Georg 'Katsche' Schwarzenbeck has never sought the limelight. He usually left commercials, recordings and TV apperances to the likes of Franz Beckenbauer, Sepp Maier, Gerd Müller or young high-flyers Paul Breitner and Uli Hoeneß. But he was by no means less important than the big names – quite the contrary. The former centre-back, who turns 70 today (Tuesday 3 April), has won 13 titles with FC Bayern, saying: "Every single one of them was beautiful!"
Schwarzenbeck has always been an essential part of the FC Bayern family because of the blend of footballing ability and modesty. Schwarzenbeck is a popular visitor to the FC Bayern Erlebniswelt. His titles - five German championship titles (1969, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1980), three DFB Cup triumphs (1967, 1969, 1971), the European Cup Winners' Cup (1967), the European Champions' Cup (1974, 1975, 1976) and the World Club Cup (1976) are illustrated in the Via Triumphalis and other places at the club museum. A special exhbition marks the Munich-born legend's milestone birthday. Visitors to the FC Bayern Erlebniswelt can immerse themselves in Schwarzenbeck's outstanding career from 14 April 2018.
Katsche's finest hour in 1974
Schwarzenbeck had several big moments with FC Bayern between 1966 and 1980, but his greatest moment came in 1974, when he salvaged Bayern in the European Cup final, scoring the leveller against Atlético Madrid in the dying stages of extra-time. Bayern went on to win the replay 4-0. Franz Beckenbauer calls his goal a brilliant feat and the scorer a "world-champion character." The 'Kaiser' has always had a special relationship with Schwarzenbeck. "I had the privilege to have a world-class player [like Beckenbauer] by my side," according to Schwarzenbeck, who provided cover for the Libero: "Everything fitted perfectly."
Fortunately for the German record champions, Schwarzenbeck joined FC Bayern from Sportfreunde München at the age of 13. He made his first-team debut on 8 October 1966, a 4-1 defeat away to Werder Bremen. But what will always be remembered are Katsche's big successes. Neither transfers nor a career in football after hanging up his boots were options for the world champion. Schwarzenbeck went on to run a stationers in the Au district. But he has always had close ties to FC Bayern as a supplier and friend.
'Meet the Legend' with Hans-Georg Schwarzenbeck
Schwarzenbeck talks about his experience and passes on his knowledge at the FC Bayern Erlebniswelt on a regular basis. "Meet the Legend" is the name of the special tour with the 70-year-old, who recounts stories about the club to visitors. Schwarzenbeck's motivation is not the limelight but his love for the club to which he has stayed loyal for his whole life.
Happy Birthday, Katsche Schwarzenbeck!
