Horst-Dieter Hottges dead at 79: German World Cup winner who also played in 1966 final against England passes away
WORLD CUP winner Horst-Dieter Höttges has died aged 79.
The German football legend passed away after suffering with dementia over the last few years, according to Bild.
Hottges spent the majority of his career at Werder Bremen and made a club record 483 appearances in 14 years for the Bundesliga outfit.
He won the Bundesliga in 1965 and played in the World Cup final a year later, losing out to England.
But eight years later Germany beat the Netherlands in the World Cup final with Hotteges an unused substitute.
He won 66 caps for his country and made ten appearances at World Cups between 1996-1974.
Hotteges also featured at right-back in the Euro 1972 semi-final and final, and helped to crown Germany European champions.
He retired in 1978 as an established Werder Bremen legend – he began his career at Borussia Monchengladbach and made 32 appearances for the club.
Tributes have poured in for Hotteges from fans who are saddened by his passing.
One wrote: “The Man. The Myth. The Legend.
“RIP Horst-Dieter “Eisenfuß” Höttges.”
Another added: “He will not be forgotten.”