Gerhard Hanappi Profile

Gerhard Hannappi was an Austrian footballer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of Austrian football. Born in Vienna in 1929, Hannappi began his football career playing for local club SC Wacker Wien in 1947 before moving to city rivals Rapid Wien in 1950.

Hannappi quickly established himself as a talented player, known for his technical ability, vision, and intelligence on the field. He was a key player for Rapid Wien, helping the team win six Austrian league titles and four Austrian Cup titles.

In addition to his success with Rapid Wien, Hannappi was also a key player for the Austrian national team. He earned 93 caps for the national team and was a member of the team that finished third at the 1954 FIFA World Cup.

Hannappi's success on the field earned him the accolade of being named Austrian Footballer of the Year in 1954 and 1956. He was also named to the UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament in 1960.

After retiring from playing in 1962, Hannappi went on to become a successful coach. He coached a number of clubs in Austria, including Rapid Wien, and also coached the Austrian national team.

In addition to his success on the field, Hannappi was also known for his contributions off the field. He was a founding member of the Austrian Professional Footballers Association and was a strong advocate for the rights of footballers.