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Bert Trautmann

German professional football player and coach (1923-2013).

Born October 22nd, 1923 in Bremen.

Died July 19th, 2013 at 89 years old in La Llosa (heart failure).

Occupations
association football manager, association football player
Wikipedia

Bert Trautmann, one of the most celebrated goalkeepers in the history of soccer, passed away on July 19, 2013 at the age of 89. An immigrant who defied great odds and a hero of two countries, Trautmann moved to Great Britain from Germany in the aftermath of World War II. His story gained even greater renown in 1956 when he famously broke his neck while playing in an FA Cup final. He not only fought through intense pain, but rallied his team of amateur players at Manchester City to emerge victorious, all while playing the match with a neck brace. The decorated former Luftwaffe soldier went on to play for City for 15 years, amassing a total of 545 matches. During his career, he collected many honours including three consecutive league titles and a place in the Manchester City Hall of Fame. In 2004, Trautmann was awarded the OBE for services to Anglo-German relations and for his contributions to West German-British Exchange. In the same year, he was also made an honorary Freeman of the City of Manchester. He was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2002. Despite his success at Manchester City, Trautmann's journey to becoming one of the all-time greats of the game began as a prisoner of war in Lancashire. His determination, to create a new life for himself in a new country after the war, proved inspirational for generations of immigrants. Trautmann will be remembered and cherished by legions of fans for his unwavering commitment, courage and devotion to the sport. He leaves behind his beloved wife Marlies and son Mark.

If we lose love and self respect for each other, this is how we finally die. Maya Angelou