Manni Kaltz Profile

Manni Kaltz - Career

German football has produced some of the world's finest players, and Manfred Kaltz is undoubtedly one of them. Born on January 6, 1953, in Ludwigshafen, Germany, Kaltz enjoyed a remarkable playing career that spanned over two decades. Renowned for his remarkable technique, crossing ability, and dead-ball expertise, Kaltz became an iconic figure in German football.

Manfred Kaltz began his footballing journey in the youth ranks of VfL Neuhofen and TuS Altrip. His skills and potential quickly caught the attention of Hamburger SV, one of Germany's most prominent clubs at the time. Kaltz made his first-team debut for Hamburg in 1971, marking the beginning of a glittering career. His versatility as a right-back and right midfielder allowed him to showcase his technical abilities and establish himself as a key player for both club and country.

One of the defining aspects of Manfred Kaltz's playing career was his expertise in set pieces. His lethal accuracy in free kicks, penalties, and crosses made him a formidable weapon for Hamburg and the German national team. Kaltz's ability to bend the ball with precision and power often left goalkeepers helpless, earning him a reputation as one of the finest dead-ball specialists of his time.

Manfred Kaltz's most successful years were undoubtedly spent at Hamburger SV, where he made a significant impact. With his technical finesse and attacking prowess from the right flank, Kaltz played a crucial role in Hamburg's triumphs in the 1970s and 1980s. He was instrumental in helping the club secure multiple domestic titles, including the Bundesliga championship in 1978-79 and the DFB-Pokal in 1982-83. Kaltz's contributions on the field were instrumental in establishing Hamburg as one of the powerhouse clubs in German football.

Manfred Kaltz's exceptional performances at the club level earned him numerous call-ups to the German national team. He represented Germany in major international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship. Kaltz's crossing ability and dead-ball expertise made him a valuable asset for the national team. He played a pivotal role in Germany's success, including reaching the final of the 1982 World Cup and winning the European Championship in 1980.

Manfred Kaltz's legacy in German football endures to this day. His attitude, attacking flair, and remarkable set-piece prowess have inspired generations of footballers. Kaltz's playing style, characterized by his marauding runs down the right flank and pinpoint crosses, made him a true icon of the game. His contributions to Hamburger SV and the German national team cemented his place among the all-time greats of German football.

Manni Kaltz - Career in Brief

Manni Kaltz - Playing Style

One of our favourite players of the late 1970s and early 1980s, Kaltz was a cracking attacking right-back, a memorable sight bombing up and down the flank with his socks rolled down. He was renowned for his fantastic crossing, hit with so much spin and curve that they were given their own name, "Bananenflanken" ("banana crosses"). He formed an unlikely partnership with Horst Hrubesch, summed up perfectly by a quote from the giant centre-forward; "Manni banana. I head. Goal!"!

A legend at Hamburger SV, Kaltz has made the second most appearances in the Bundesliga with 581, only Eintracht Frankfurt's Charly Körbel is ahead of him. Kaltz was also known as a penalty specialist, with 53 of his 76 goals coming from the penalty spot.

Manni Kaltz - Honours

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