# Hans Tilkowski

> German association football player and manager (1935–2020)

**Wikidata**: [Q498268](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q498268)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_Tilkowski)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hans-tilkowski

## Summary
Hans Tilkowski was a German association football player and manager, renowned for his career as a goalkeeper and his later transition to coaching. Born on July 12, 1935, he was recognized as German Footballer of the Year in 1960 and received the Order of Merit of North Rhine-Westphalia, leaving a lasting impact on German football.

## Biography
- **Born**: July 12, 1935  
- **Nationality**: German  
- **Known for**: Professional football goalkeeper and manager, German Footballer of the Year (1960)  
- **Field(s)**: Association football  

## Contributions
- **German Footballer of the Year (1960)**: Honored for his exceptional performance as a goalkeeper.  
- **Order of Merit of North Rhine-Westphalia**: Received for his contributions to sports and public life.  
- **Dual Career**: Served as both a professional player and manager, influencing German football through his leadership and expertise.  

## FAQs
### When was Hans Tilkowski born and when did he die?  
Hans Tilkowski was born on July 12, 1935, and died on January 5, 2020.  

### What were his primary roles in football?  
He was a professional goalkeeper and later transitioned to a managerial career in association football.  

### What awards did he receive?  
Tilkowski was named German Footballer of the Year in 1960 and received the Order of Merit of North Rhine-Westphalia.  

### What is his legacy in German football?  
He is remembered for his contributions as a player and manager, earning recognition for his skill and leadership in the sport.  

## Why They Matter
Hans Tilkowski’s career spanned playing and coaching, earning him respect as a versatile figure in German football. His recognition as German Footballer of the Year in 1960 highlighted his skill as a goalkeeper, while his managerial work continued his influence on the sport. The Order of Merit of North Rhine-Westphalia underscored his broader impact on sports culture in Germany, ensuring his legacy as a dedicated contributor to football.

## Notable For
- German Footballer of the Year (1960).  
- Recipient of the Order of Merit of North Rhine-Westphalia.  
- Dual career as a professional player and manager.  
- Longstanding involvement in German association football (1935–2020).  

## Body
### Early Life and Career  
Hans Tilkowski was born on July 12, 1935, in Germany. He began his career as a professional football goalkeeper, rising to prominence in the 1960s. His talent earned him the German Footballer of the Year award in 1960, a testament to his skill and impact on the pitch.  

### Professional Achievements  
As a goalkeeper, Tilkowski played a critical role in his teams’ success, though specific club affiliations are not detailed in the source material. His transition to management expanded his influence, allowing him to shape the next generation of players.  

### Awards and Recognition  
Tilkowski’s contributions were formally recognized through prestigious awards:  
- **German Footballer of the Year (1960)**: Highlighting his peak performance as a player.  
- **Order of Merit of North Rhine-Westphalia**: Acknowledging his broader societal and sporting impact.  

### Legacy  
Beyond his playing and coaching career, Tilkowski left a legacy as a respected figure in German football. His dual roles as player and manager, combined with his awards, solidified his status as a dedicated professional. The Order of Merit further emphasized his enduring influence on sports and culture in North Rhine-Westphalia.  

### Identifiers and Documentation  
Tilkowski is cataloged in academic and cultural databases, including VIAF ID 0000000013383881 and GND ID 118758225, ensuring his contributions are formally documented for historical reference.  

### Cultural Impact  
As a public figure, Tilkowski’s image and career were chronicled in media, including the photograph “Hans Tilkowski.jpg,” preserving his role in football history. His life and work reflect the broader significance of sports in German culture and identity.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Transfermarkt
3. [Source](https://twitter.com/BVB/status/1214148260337729536)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013