Six Football Legends Inducted into German Football Hall of Fame in 2025

The German Football Hall of Fame welcomed six new inductees in a gala ceremony at the German Football Museum in Dortmund. Established in 2018 and now comprising 53 members, the Hall honors figures who have made outstanding contributions to German and international football.

The 2025 class includes World Cup winner Guido Buchwald, celebrated for his pivotal role in the 1990 tournament and his performances with VfB Stuttgart and the national team. Bastian Schweinsteiger, one of Germany's most successful footballers, delivered an emotional speech upon his induction, reflecting on his journey from a small town to football greatness.

Also honored were Horst Hrubesch, known for his achievements with Hamburger SV and Germany, and Otto Rehhagel, famed for coaching Greece to a surprising European Championship victory. Legendary coach Jupp Heynckes was recognized for his extraordinary career, including Bayern Munich's treble win, though he was unable to attend due to health reasons. Posthumously inducted was Bert Trautmann, a WWII soldier who became a renowned goalkeeper for Manchester City.

The induction illustrates the Hall's mission to recognize exemplary careers and significant impact in football, supported by a jury of sports journalists. As Schweinsteiger poignantly expressed during the event, this recognition embodies both personal achievement and the broader legacy within German football history.