Bastian Schweinsteiger inducted into German Football Hall of Fame
Bastian Schweinsteiger was inducted into the German Football Hall of Fame alongside five other figures. The ceremony took place at the German Football Museum in Dortmund, where Philipp Lahm delivered an emotional tribute to his 2014 World Cup teammate. The honor recognizes extraordinary achievements as players and coaches.
In a ceremonial event at the German Football Museum in Dortmund, six men were inducted into the German Football Hall of Fame: Bastian Schweinsteiger, Horst Hrubesch, Otto Rehhagel, Jupp Heynckes, Guido Buchwald, and the late Bert Trautmann. A jury of journalists honored their outstanding achievements as players or coaches. This brings the total to 53 men and women in the hall of fame.
Philipp Lahm, who won the 2014 World Cup with Schweinsteiger, delivered a tribute to the 41-year-old. He recalled the World Cup final against Argentina: "He was the rock in the surf. That must be honored." Addressing Schweinsteiger directly, Lahm said: "Rio was the crowning not only of my career, but also of yours." Schweinsteiger, with tears in his eyes, responded: "That means a lot to me."
Horst Hrubesch, 74 years old and known as the "header monster," accepted the honor with humor: "I've heard the word legend before. I used to say legends are usually already dead." He added with a smile: "I'm actually doing quite well. I wanted to make a few more years."
Otto Rehhagel was recognized for his Euro 2004 title with Greece, Guido Buchwald for the 1990 World Cup win. Jupp Heynckes, 1974 World Cup champion, celebrated titles as a player with Borussia Mönchengladbach and as a coach won the 2013 treble with Bayern Munich. Uli Hoeneß praised in a video message: "Jupp Heynckes was a cornerstone in this club for years."
Bert Trautmann from Bremen was honored posthumously. From prisoner of war to icon of Manchester City, he would have turned 101 last year. DFB President Bernd Neuendorf said: "It is a story of reconciliation." Schweinsteiger, Buchwald, Rehhagel, and Hrubesch received the award in person.