Gerd Muller holds many outstanding scoring records. Photo by Micha Will/Bongarts/Getty Images
Gerd Müller, legendary Bayern Munich and Germany striker, has passed away at 75.
Muller won the 1972 European Championship and the 1974 World Cup. He also won a Club World Cup and a European Cup. In 1970, he also won the Ballon d'Or.
His record of 365 Bundesliga goals is still a German record. Robert Lewandowski's single-season high of forty was only beaten last term.
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- Muller joins Ronaldo, Messi and Pele in the 700-goal club
"Today is a dark day for FC Bayern, and all its fans. Bayern president Herbert Hainer stated that Gerd Müller was "the greatest striker there ever been" and "a fine person, an personality in world soccer".
"We share deep sorrow with Uschi, his wife, and his entire family. FC Bayern wouldn't be what it is today without Gerd Müller. His name and his memory will be remembered forever.
Muller scored 14 goals in two World Cups. In 1972, he also hit 85 goals in just 60 matches for country and club. This world record was maintained until Lionel Messi broke it 91 times in just 69 matches in 2012.
Muller stated that records don't matter to him, but that if someone is worthy to surpass me, it's Messi."
Der Bomber der Nation, the forward nicknamed Der Bomber der Nation, scored 68 goals in 62 games in Germany. He was their top scorer up until Miroslav Klose's total in 2014.
His greatest goal was in 1974's World Cup final. He scored the winner in his usual style, with a quick turn and finish to win 2-1 over the Netherlands. This was his last game as an international from West Germany.
Muller was born in Nordlingen (Bavaria) on November 3, 1945. He did not start playing football at club level until he turned 12 years old, when he joined the local side.
FC Bayern is mourning Gerd Mller's passing.
Today, the FC Bayern world is still standing. Gerd Mller, 75, died on Sunday morning. The club and its fans are in mourning. FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN), August 15, 2021
He arrived in Bayern in July 1964. His key role was to help them get promoted to the Bundesliga in 1964. They scored 39 goals during the 1964-65 season.
His worst career result was his 15 goals in 33 games in his first year of the German top flight. Muller became the league's highest scorer in seven of his next 14 seasons.
He had scored 365 goals in 427 Bundesliga games when he moved to America for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in 1979.
Bayern's Lewandowski is the Bundesliga player with the best record with 278 goals in 351 matches.
"The sad news about Gerd Muller's passing affects all of us deeply. Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn stated that Gerd Muller is a legend in the history FC Bayern's history. His achievements were unmatched and will always be part of the great history FC Bayern and all German football."
Gerd Müller also played in the United States. Photo by Rust/ullstein bild via Getty Images
Gerd Muller is a legend as both a player, and as a person. He has been instrumental in FC Bayern's growth to become one of the most important clubs in the world. Gerd will always be in our hearts.
Muller was able to retire in 1981 after three years of service at Fort Lauderdale. He returned to Germany in 1981, but struggled with his post-playing life, and eventually fell into alcoholism.
His old club Bayern helped him overcome his addiction before he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in the early 2010.
In 2013, Muller made his final public appearance at an award ceremony. Two years later, Bayern confirmed that Muller had Alzheimer's.
In April 2019, Muller was elected into the Hall of Fame of German Football.
Paul Breitner, a former Bayern and Germany teammate, accepted the award on Muller's behalf. He said that the "unbelievable success story of Bayern Munich, and the German national soccer team would not be possible without Gerd Muller."
