Hans Tilkowski Biography: Life and Career of the Legendary German Goalkeeper
Hans Tilkowski was a legendary German goalkeeper who was part of the West German team that played in the 1966 World Cup final against England. Born in Husen, Dortmund in 1935, Tilkowski started playing football at the age of 11 with SV Husen 19 as a right-winger before switching to the goalkeeper position. He began his professional career with SuS Kaiserau in 1952 before joining Westfalia Herne in 1955, where he won the Oberliga West in 1959.
Tilkowski’s career spanned over a decade, during which he played for various clubs in Germany, including Borussia Dortmund, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Werder Bremen. He was renowned for his agility, quick reflexes, and excellent shot-stopping abilities, which made him a formidable presence in goal. Tilkowski was also part of the German national team, for which he played 39 matches between 1957 and 1967. In 1965, he was named Footballer of the Year in Germany.
Key Takeaways
- Hans Tilkowski was a German goalkeeper who played for various clubs in Germany, including Borussia Dortmund, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Werder Bremen.
- Tilkowski was renowned for his agility, quick reflexes, and excellent shot-stopping abilities, which made him a formidable presence in goal.
- He was also part of the German national team, for which he played 39 matches between 1957 and 1967, and was named Footballer of the Year in Germany in 1965.
Early Life
Hans Tilkowski was born on July 12, 1935, in Husen, Dortmund, Germany. He grew up in a working-class family and started playing football at age 11 with SV Husen 19. Tilkowski initially played as a right winger but later switched to become a goalkeeper.
During his early years, Tilkowski worked as a miner in a coal mine. However, he continued to play football and was eventually discovered by the Borussia Dortmund youth academy. He joined the academy in 1955 and made his professional debut for the team in 1956.
Tilkowski quickly established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in Germany, earning a call-up to the national team in 1957. He went on to make 39 appearances for West Germany, playing in two World Cups and one European Championship.
Despite his success on the field, Tilkowski faced numerous challenges throughout his life. He grew up during World War II and experienced the devastation of the conflict firsthand. He also faced discrimination as a working-class player in a sport dominated by middle-class athletes. Despite these obstacles, Tilkowski remained determined and focused on his football career.
Career Beginnings
Hans Tilkowski was born on July 12, 1935, in Husen, Dortmund, Germany. He started playing football at the age of 11 with SV Husen 19 as a right-winger. Later, he switched to the goalkeeper position due to his height.
In 1955, Tilkowski joined Borussia Dortmund, a German professional football club, as a goalkeeper. He played for the club for 14 years, from 1955 to 1969, and became one of the best goalkeepers in the Bundesliga. During his time at Borussia Dortmund, he won the DFB-Pokal Cup twice, in 1965 and 1966.
In 1957, Tilkowski made his debut for the West Germany national team as a goalkeeper against Denmark. He played a total of 39 international matches for the national team and was part of the team that reached the final of the 1966 FIFA World Cup, where they lost to England.
After leaving Borussia Dortmund in 1969, Tilkowski played for several other football clubs, including Eintracht Frankfurt, TSV Marl-Hüls, and VfL Bochum. He retired from professional football in 1972 and became a football coach.