Germany & Bayern Munich legend Gerd Müller dies aged 75

The legendary World Cup-winning striker, nicknamed ‘Der Bomber’, passed away at the age of 75 on Sunday morning.

Bayern Munich have confirmed Gerd Muller has passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 75.

In October 2015, the German legend was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He had been living in a specialized care home until Bayern announced the sad news on Sunday. Muller is survived by his wife, Uschi, and daughter, Nicole.

“Today is a sad, dark day for FC Bayern and all its fans,” read a statement from Bayern president Herbert Hainer.

“Gerd Muller was the greatest striker there’s ever been, and a fine person and character of world football. We’re all united in deep mourning with his wife Uschi as well as his family.

“FC Bayern wouldn’t be the club we all love today without Gerd Müller. His name and memory will live on forever.”

Bayern CEO and former goalkeeper Oliver Kahn added: “The news of Gerd Müller’s death deeply saddens us all. He’s one of the greatest legends in the history of FC Bayern. His achievements are unrivaled to this day and will forever be a part of the great history of FC Bayern and all of German football.

“As a player and a person, Gerd Müller stands for FC Bayern and its development into one of the biggest clubs in the world, like no other. Gerd will forever be in our hearts.”

🏆 4x Bundesliga
🏆 4x DFB Pokal
🏆 3x European Cup
🏆 1974 World Cup
🏆 1972 Euros
🏆 1970 Ballon d’Or
🏆 1967 Cup Winners’ Cup
🏆 2x German Footballer of the Year
🏆 1970 World Cup Golden Boot
🏆 1972 Euros Top Scorer

Gerd Müller has passed away aged 75. RIP to a legend 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/ABLzyl7PDS

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) August 15, 2021

A career like no other

The word greatness is used too loosely sometimes, but not in Muller’s case. The German is one of the greatest of all time, with a sublime record of 365 goals in only 427 Bundesliga games. His scoring instincts made him a beast in the final third at club and international level.

Miller spent 15 years of his career at Bayern Munich, helping the Bavarians win four league titles and three successive European Cups. He also claimed an incredible seven Golden Boot prizes.

The two-time German Footballer of the Year won the Ballon d’Or in 1970 and scored the winning goal in the 1974 World Cup final against the Netherlands for West Germany.

Until Lionel Messi surpassed him in 2012, Muller held the record for the most goals in a calendar year after scoring 85 in 1972.