Hamburg honours hero Seeler
Thursday, November 27, 2003
Article summary
One of Germany's favourite footballers, Uwe Seeler, was made a freeman of Hamburg on Wednesday.
Article body
Four World Cups
Seeler, who spent his entire playing career with Hamburger SV, his hometown club, and appeared in four FIFA World Cups for West Germany, became the first sportsman to be honoured in this way.
Beckenbauer present
Hamburg chairman Bernd Hoffmann, team manager Bernd Wehmeyer and captain Nico Jan Hoogma were present at the ceremony, attended by some 1,000 guests, among them Franz Beckenbauer, Seeler's former team-mate in the national team. Beckenbauer handed Seeler a cheque for €10,000 for his charitable foundation, the Uwe Seeler Foundation. "We are friends and help each other," said Seeler.
Meteoric rise
Seeler, who is now 67, started his career with Hamburg back in 1953 as a 17-year-old. He quickly made a name for himself and in the same year made his international debut against France, although he failed to make the 1955 World Cup squad.
First World Cup
Within two years he had struck 32 goals in a season for Hamburg to finish top scorer in the Oberliga and in 1958 he played in his first World Cup in Sweden, where he scored his first goal for the national team in the 3-1 victory against Argentina.
No to Inter
In 1960 he helped Hamburg win the German title and his exploits were now attracting attention from abroad. In 1961 Internazionale FC made a DMK 1m offer for his services but 'Uns Uwe' turned the offer down and remained with his hometown club.
Footballer of the year
In 1962 Seeler played in his second World Cup in Chile and a year later he led Hamburg to the German Cup. Following the Bundesliga's formation in 1964 Seeler became the new league's top scorer with 30 goals and that season was voted footballer of the year.
Out of retirement
Two years after taking part in his third World Cup in 1966 Seeler announced that he would no longer play for the German national team. However, within 12 months he had come out of retirement and went on to appear at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, his fourth. He scored the equaliser as they came from behind to beat England 3-2 in a dramatic quarter-final and along with Pelé is the only player who has managed to score in four World Cups.
Chairman role
In 1972 Seeler finally retired from playing, although he remained in close contact with Hamburg over the years. In 1995 he took over as chairman of the club, a post he held for three years.
