Uli Stielike Biography: Life, Career, And Achievements

Ulrich “Uli” Stielike is a former German footballer and manager who is well-known for his stamina and footballing intelligence. Born on November 15, 1954, in Ketsch, Germany, Stielike’s career spanned over two decades, during which he won numerous accolades and played for some of the most prominent football clubs in Europe.

Stielike’s football career began in the early 1970s when he joined Borussia Mönchengladbach. He quickly established himself as a versatile midfielder and a reliable defender, helping the team win the Bundesliga title in 1975 and 1976. Stielike’s impressive performances earned him a call-up to the German national team, where he would go on to make 42 appearances and score 4 goals. In 1977, Stielike transferred to Real Madrid, where he became an integral part of the team that won the Spanish league title in 1978 and the UEFA Cup in 1985.

Key Takeaways

Ulrich “Uli” Stielike is a former German footballer and manager known for his stamina and footballing intelligence.
Stielike played for Borussia Mönchengladbach and Real Madrid, winning several titles with both clubs.
Stielike also had a successful coaching career, managing teams in Germany, Switzerland, and Ivory Coast.

Early Life and Education

Ulrich “Uli” Stielike was born on November 15, 1954, in Ketsch, Germany. He grew up in a football-loving family, and his father, Karl-Heinz Stielike, was also a footballer who played for the German national team.

Stielike started playing football at a young age and joined his local club, VfB Ketsch. He quickly made a name for himself and was scouted by Karlsruher SC, where he began his professional career at the age of 18.

Despite his success on the pitch, Stielike also valued education. He completed his Abitur, the German equivalent of A-levels, while playing for Karlsruher SC. He then went on to study sports science at the University of Freiburg, where he earned a degree in 1978.

Stielike’s dedication to both football and education set him apart from other players of his generation. It also helped him develop the intelligence and stamina that would later become his trademarks on the pitch.

Professional Football Career

Borussia Mönchengladbach

Uli Stielike began his professional football career at Borussia Mönchengladbach in 1972. He was a key player for the team, playing as a central midfielder or sweeper, and helped them win the Bundesliga title in 1975 and 1976. During his time at Borussia Mönchengladbach, Stielike played 241 matches and scored 31 goals.

Real Madrid

In 1977, Stielike transferred to Real Madrid for a fee of around €1.5 million. He quickly became a fan favorite due to his stamina and footballing intelligence. Stielike played 308 matches for Real Madrid and scored 50 goals. He was part of the team that won the La Liga title in 1978, 1979, 1980, and 1986. In addition, he won the Copa del Rey in 1980 and the UEFA Cup in 1985.

Neuchâtel Xamax

After leaving Real Madrid in 1985, Stielike played for Neuchâtel Xamax in Switzerland for three seasons. He helped the team win the Swiss Cup in 1987 and played 84 matches for the club.

Stielike’s professional football career spanned over 15 years and he played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe. His success on the pitch earned him a reputation as one of the best midfielders of his generation.

International Career

Germany National Team

Uli Stielike was capped in 42 internationals with West Germany from 1975 to 1984. He was a key player in the team that won the 1980 UEFA European Football Championship and the runner-up medal at the 1982 FIFA World Cup.

Stielike was known for his versatility and intelligence on the field. He played in various positions throughout his international career, including defensive midfielder, central midfielder, and sweeper. His ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions made him an invaluable asset to the German national team.

Stielike’s international career came to an end in 1984 when he announced his retirement from international football. Despite his relatively short career with the national team, he remains one of the most respected and admired players in German football history.

Coaching Career

Switzerland National Team

After retiring as a player, Uli Stielike started his coaching career as the head coach of the Switzerland national team in 1989. During his two-year tenure, he led the team to the 1990 FIFA World Cup, where they were eliminated in the round of 16.

South Korea National Team

Stielike was appointed as the head coach of the South Korea national team in 2014, and he led the team to the 2015 AFC Asian Cup final, where they lost to Australia. He was praised for his tactical acumen and his ability to motivate the players, but his tenure was marred by a lack of consistency and poor results in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign. He was eventually sacked in June 2017 after a string of poor performances.

China National Team

In 2019, Stielike was appointed as the head coach of the China national team. He was tasked with leading the team to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in Qatar. Under his guidance, the team has shown improvement and has been playing with more confidence. However, they still have a long way to go before they can compete with the top teams in Asia.

Personal Life and Legacy

Uli Stielike was born on November 15, 1954, in Ketsch, West Germany. He was married to his wife, Ursula, and together they have two children. After retiring from football, Stielike became a successful coach, leading several teams to victory.

Stielike’s legacy in football is one of excellence and dedication. He was known for his stamina and intelligence on the field, and his forcefulness in the midfield. He played for several top teams, including Real Madrid, and was a key player in their success.

Off the field, Stielike was known for his humility and professionalism. He was respected by his teammates and opponents alike, and was a role model for young players.

Stielike’s contributions to football have not gone unnoticed. He has been inducted into the German Football Hall of Fame, and his name is synonymous with excellence in the sport. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of football players and fans.

Honours and Achievements

Player Honours

During his playing career, Uli Stielike won several honours with his clubs and national team. He won the Spanish La Liga five times with Real Madrid, in the 1977-78, 1978-79, 1979-80, 1985-86, and 1986-87 seasons. He also won the Copa del Rey twice with Real Madrid in the 1979-80 and 1981-82 seasons. In addition, he won the UEFA Cup twice with Borussia Mönchengladbach in the 1974-75 and 1978-79 seasons.

Stielike represented the German national team in 42 matches and was part of the team that won the 1980 UEFA European Championship. He also played in the 1978 and 1982 FIFA World Cups, where Germany finished as runners-up and second round respectively.

Manager Honours

After his playing career, Stielike transitioned to coaching and had a successful career as a manager in Asia. He won the J-League with Urawa Red Diamonds in the 2006 season and the Chinese Super League with Guangzhou Evergrande in the 2013 season. He also won the Korean FA Cup with Suwon Samsung Bluewings in the 2010 season.

Stielike was appointed as the head coach of the South Korean national team in 2014 and led them to the final of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, where they finished as runners-up. He also guided South Korea to the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where they reached the round of 16.

Overall, Stielike’s achievements as a player and manager demonstrate his talent and success in the world of football.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Uli Stielike born?

Uli Stielike was born on November 15, 1954.

What teams did Uli Stielike play for?

Uli Stielike played for several teams during his career as a professional footballer, including Borussia Mönchengladbach, Real Madrid, and Neuchâtel Xamax. He also played for the German national team.

What is Uli Stielike’s coaching career?

After retiring from professional football, Uli Stielike became a coach. He has coached several teams, including FC Basel, the Ivory Coast national team, and the South Korean national team.

What are Uli Stielike’s notable achievements as a coach?

As a coach, Uli Stielike has achieved several notable accomplishments. He led FC Basel to win the Swiss Super League in 1994 and 1995. He also led the Ivory Coast national team to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, which was their first appearance in the tournament since 2002. In 2015, he became the head coach of the South Korean national team and led them to the final of the 2015 EAFF East Asian Cup.