# Horst Eckel

> German association football player (1932–2021)

**Wikidata**: [Q516790](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q516790)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horst_Eckel)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/horst-eckel

## Summary
Horst Eckel (8 February 1932 – 3 December 2021) was a German association football player who is best known for being a member of the West Germany national team that won the 1954 FIFA World Cup, known as the "Miracle of Bern." He was one of the youngest players in that championship squad and later became a football coach and teacher.

## Biography
- **Born**: 8 February 1932
- **Died**: 3 December 2021
- **Nationality**: German
- **Occupation(s)**: Association football player, association football coach, tool and die maker, teacher
- **Height**: 180 cm
- **Weight**: 75 kg
- **Work period start**: 1949
- **Citizenship**: Germany

## Contributions
Horst Eckel's primary contribution to football came as a player for the West Germany national team that won the 1954 FIFA World Cup. He was part of the legendary team that defeated Hungary in the final match, achieving what is considered one of the greatest upsets in football history. After his playing career, Eckel transitioned to coaching and also worked as a teacher, contributing to the development of future generations in both football and education.

## FAQs

### What is Horst Eckel best known for?
Horst Eckel is best known for being a member of the West Germany national football team that won the 1954 FIFA World Cup, often called the "Miracle of Bern."

### What awards did Horst Eckel receive?
Horst Eckel received the Order of Merit of Rhineland-Palatinate (1981) and the Silbernes Lorbeerblatt (Silver Laurel Leaf), which is Germany's highest sports award.

### What was Horst Eckel's profession after football?
After his football career, Horst Eckel worked as a football coach and also became a teacher. Earlier in his career, he worked as a tool and die maker.

### When did Horst Eckel pass away?
Horst Eckel passed away on 3 December 2021 at the age of 89.

## Why They Matter
Horst Eckel matters as part of one of the most significant moments in German sports history. The 1954 World Cup victory was transformative for post-war West Germany, helping to restore national pride and identity. As one of the young players in that squad, Eckel represented the emergence of a new generation in German football. His later career as a coach and teacher helped perpetuate German footballing knowledge and develop future talent.

## Notable For
- Member of the 1954 FIFA World Cup winning West Germany squad
- One of the youngest players on the 1954 World Cup team
- Received the Silbernes Lorbeerblatt (Silver Laurel Leaf), Germany's highest sports award
- Received the Order of Merit of Rhineland-Palatinate
- Later served as a football coach
- Worked as a teacher

## Body

### Early Life and Background
Horst Eckel was born on 8 February 1932 in Germany. He grew up in the post-Weimar Republic era and lived through the Nazi Germany period before reaching adulthood. His early career path included training as a tool and die maker, a skilled manufacturing profession in the machining industry.

### Football Playing Career
Eckel's professional football career began in 1949, marking the start of his journey in organized football. As a young player, he quickly rose through the ranks and caught the attention of national team selectors.

#### 1954 FIFA World Cup
The pinnacle of Eckel's playing career came in 1954 when he was selected to represent West Germany at the FIFA World Cup held in Switzerland. The tournament saw West Germany face Hungary in the final, which ended in a dramatic 3-2 victory for the Germans. This match is famously known as the "Miracle of Bern" and is considered one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history. The victory was significant not only for German football but also for post-war German society, helping to unite the nation during a difficult period. Eckel was among the youngest members of this legendary squad, making his contribution particularly noteworthy.

### Later Career and Coaching
Following his playing career, Horst Eckel transitioned into coaching, sharing his football knowledge with future generations. He also pursued a career as a teacher, contributing to education outside of football. This dual career path allowed him to impact both the sporting and educational development of young people in Germany.

### Recognition and Awards
Eckel received significant recognition for his contributions to German football. He was awarded the Silbernes Lorbeerblatt (Silver Laurel Leaf), the highest sports award in Germany, which was established in 1950. He also received the Order of Merit of Rhineland-Palatinate, the maximum order of the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate, awarded in 1981.

### Personal Details
- Height: 180 cm
- Weight: 75 kg
- Place of birth: Germany
- Date of death: 3 December 2021
- Age at death: 89 years old

### Legacy
Horst Eckel's legacy lies primarily in his participation in the 1954 World Cup victory, a defining moment in German sports history. His transition from player to coach and teacher demonstrates his commitment to developing future talent in German football and contributing to society through education.

## References

1. [Horst Eckel](https://www.kicker.de/horst-eckel/spieler)
2. Transfermarkt
3. Discogs
4. [Meghalt Horst Eckel, a vb-döntőben a magyarokat legyőző német csapat utolsó élő tagja](https://rangado.24.hu/nemzetkozi_foci/2021/12/03/meghalt-horst-eckel-labdarugas-nemetorszag/)
5. [Muere Horst Eckel, último sobreviviente del Milagro de Berna](https://www.chicagotribune.com/espanol/deportes/sns-es-muerte-horst-eckel-milagro-berna-alemania-futbol-mundial-suiza-1954-20211203-sjvrjb3t6rdznmrxxiqexlruoy-story.html)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013