The German footballer who was part of the World Cup-winning team in 1954 (West Germany) On his 90th Birth Anniversary let us remember his contributions.

1.) Horst Eckel, made his debut for his favorite club FC Kaiserslautern at the mere age of 15. During the time, he was spotted by the then manager of the German Football Team where he played a crucial role by scoring 2 Goals against Schalke whilst playing as a forward

2.) He won 2 German football Championships with FC Kaiserslautern in 1951 and 1953 where he played as a right half-back, a position which is now obsolete in football but had the same responsibilities of a right-back or a right midfielder would do

3.) His teammates called him a “Greyhound” because of his thin stature and willingness to run. His intensity on the field along with his defensive work rate and meticulous passing made his country compatriots -Helmut Rahn and Max Morlock widely successful

4.) Fritz Walter, his club and country compatriot who was also the captain of 1954 West Germany campaigned for him and supported him to be regular at 1. FC Kaiserslautern

5.) After “The Miracle of Bern” he was offered 20 times more money by Bristol City F.C. who at the time played in the Second Division of English Football, but he rejected the offer to play for his beloved club.

6.) Eckel was always a Kaiserslautern fan. As a youngster, he used to cycle 30 kilometers (19 miles) to see the team play. He watched through a hole in the fence because he didn’t have money for tickets, according to 11 Freunde magazine.

7.) He played 214 matches for 1. FC Kaiserslautern, appeared 32 times for his country which includes the 1958 world cup as well where they reached till Semi-Finals only to lose against the runner-ups – Sweden, and again lost for 3rd place against France.