Soccer stories full of tradition, passion and unforgettable moments

Soccer stories from Düsseldorf, that also means soccer history peppered with a fascinating mixture of tradition, passion and unforgettable moments. The closer the UEFA EURO 2024 gets, the more memories are awakened and anticipation grows. Düsseldorf has left its mark on soccer with its cultural diversity. The city, which has already hosted major soccer events in the past, is once again in the spotlight. The perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in soccer history and thus increase the excitement for the upcoming European soccer festival. Many things are possible in 2024, including the German national team playing in the quarter-finals at the Arena Düsseldorf. We take a look at events such as the opening match of the EURO 1988, the soccer rebel Günther Netzer during the DFB Cup final in 1973 and the Fortuna campaign "Football for all".
Enjoy our soccer stories!

EURO 1988 - The opening match

Düsseldorf has been the venue for major soccer events. For example, the opening match of UEFA Euro 1988 took place in the former Rheinstadion - between the DFB team and Italy. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Roberto Mancini scoring the opening goal for Italy before Andreas Brehme equalized for Germany. In the end, the Netherlands won the tournament and became European champions. In the semi-finals, they defeated the German team 2:1 in a thrilling match, with soccer legends such as Lothar Matthäus, Jürgen Kohler, Jürgen Klinsmann and Rudi Völler playing for the then West Germany. Incidentally, the coach at the time was none other than the recently deceased Franz Beckenbauer. By the way: two years later, Germany became world champions, perhaps a good omen for the upcoming EURO 2024. Depending on the performance and luck of the draw of the German national team, they could play a possible quarter-final at EURO 2024 in Düsseldorf - a match that would join the ranks of Düsseldorf's historic soccer moments. 

Symbol of success: Klaus Allofs with Fortuna Düsseldorf

Of course, Klaus Allofs is a must when it comes to soccer stories from Düsseldorf. Allofs is closely associated with the traditional club Fortuna and its soccer history. After all, he shaped two decades, the 1970s and 1980s, with impressive performances. And Klaus Allofs is the only Fortuna player ever to go down in the history books as the Bundesliga's top scorer. In 1978/79, he scored 22 goals for Fortuna Düsseldorf. That season, Fortuna reached the European Cup final and won the DFB Cup. Allofs, not only as a player, but also in his current role as sports director at Fortuna Düsseldorf, represents continuous commitment and dedication. Both are characteristic of the club. His experience and influence continue to play a crucial role in shaping the club's future.

Soccer stories galore - 1974 World Cup moments

Several matches took place in Düsseldorf during the 1974 World Cup. These included two matches involving the German national team in the group stage. Paul Breitner and Gerd Müller scored the goals in the 2:0 victory against Yugoslavia. Four days later, the team faced Sweden - and won 4:2 in an unforgettable match with goals from Wolfgang Overath, Rainer Bonhof, Jürgen Grabowski and Uli Hoeneß. At the end of the tournament, Germany were crowned world champions for a second time. Players such as Gerd Müller, Sepp Maier and Uli Hoeneß shaped German soccer for a (very) long time. The World Cup matches in Düsseldorf are still a part of German soccer history today. In 2024, stars such as Manuel Neuer, Mats Hummels and Thomas Müller will be playing for the German national team. Their aim will be to leave their mark on the 2024 European Championship ten years after winning the World Cup in 2014. But even if that doesn't work out, the 2006 World Cup in Germany showed that an unforgettable soccer experience is possible even without a tournament title - with and through the fans!

Through thick and thin: Fortuna Düsseldorf and its fans

With the "Fortuna for all" campaign, the club wants to make soccer in Düsseldorf accessible to more people and offers free admission to a match. This initiative demonstrates a deep appreciation and recognition of the loyal support of the supporters. Such gestures strengthen the sense of community, which is also of great importance at international events such as UEFA EURO 2024. The initiative underlines how close and united they are and shows the strong connection between the club and its fan base. It's as if the whole city is rooting for the players and the club to be promoted back to the Bundesliga.

Drama, baby - DFB Cup final 1973

Five DFB Cup finals have been held in Düsseldorf to date. One particularly memorable event was the 1973 final between Borussia Mönchengladbach and 1. FC Köln. Günter Netzer, one of the biggest soccer stars of his time, made a legendary appearance in this match. Although he initially sat on the bench, Netzer substituted himself and scored the decisive goal that led Borussia to victory. This moment will be remembered as one of the most discussed and spectacular events in the history of German soccer. Günter Netzer's rebellious attitude, but also his extraordinary footballing class, characterized this day. This is regarded as the symbolic highlight of his career at Borussia Mönchengladbach before he moved to Real Madrid. Games like this one in the heart of Düsseldorf remain unforgotten.

Heart & Soul - The Paul Janes Stadium

The Paul Janes Stadium in Flingern symbolizes Düsseldorf's soccer tradition. It was named after Paul Janes, the legendary defender. Janes played a record 71 international matches and led Fortuna Düsseldorf to the championship title in 1933. The stadium is undoubtedly a historic venue. Fortuna played at the Paul Janes Stadium until 1972 before moving to the Rheinstadion. Between 2002 and 2005, Fortuna returned to Flingern as the Düsseldorf Arena was built on the site of the Rheinstadion. However, the soccer pitch at Flinger Broich is more than just a venue for matches. The soccer soul of Düsseldorf lives there in Flingern. The former working-class district is still home to genuine pubs and regulars' table culture. Some, such as Abseits and Fortuna Eck, have had to close, but from 1:0 to Zum Goldenen Fass and Bar 95, the pub culture around the Paul Janes Stadium is still alive and kicking. Bar 95 has a special status because it is not only one of the best-known soccer pubs in the city, but also resides on the stadium grounds. The club's second team and youth teams still play their home games at the Paul Janes Stadium. Fortuna's performance center is also still located at Flinger Broich. If you want to know where the heart of Fortuna beats, you've come to the right place.

Tip: News, information & events can be found on our landing page for UEFA EURO 2024.
The soccer stories in Düsseldorf are a living testimony to the city and its sport. They include legendary matches, outstanding personalities and a unique fan culture. With UEFA EURO 2024 on the horizon, this rich past will be revived and unite the global soccer community. Düsseldorf, with its inclusive culture and vibrant soccer scene, will not only be a host city for the tournament, but also a place where the enthusiasm and passion for soccer is reflected in every street and corner of the city.

Text: Tim Schoster
Photos: see credit
Lead photo: Moritz Müller