15 Facts About Hans Tilkowski

Hans Tilkowski was a German football player and manager.

Hans Tilkowski switched to the goalkeeper position and joined SuS Kaiserau in 1949.

Hans Tilkowski started his professional career with the team in 1952, then joined Westfalia Herne in 1955.

Hans Tilkowski was chosen German Footballer of the Year in 1965.

Hans Tilkowski was regarded as one of the world's best goalkeepers during the mid-1960s.

Hans Tilkowski debuted for the West Germany national team in 1957.

Hans Tilkowski was expected to be the first-choice keeper for the 1962 FIFA World Cup in Chile, but was demoted by coach Sepp Herberger the day before the opening match.

Hans Tilkowski destroyed his hotel room in anger and did not play for the national team for two years, but was eventually called up again.

Under Herberger's successor Helmut Schon, Hans Tilkowski was the first-choice in goal for the 1966 FIFA World Cup in England.

Hans Tilkowski played for West Germany another year, before being superseded in the national team by Sepp Maier.

Hans Tilkowski later took up coaching, taking charge of 1.

One of three children, Hans Tilkowski was born in Dortmund on 12 July 1935.

Hans Tilkowski enjoyed boxing as a boy, and he initially played football as a winger before finding his calling when his team lacked a goalkeeper.

Hans Tilkowski became an apprentice locksmith, then joined Westfalia Herne in 1955.

Hans Tilkowski died on 5 January 2020 at age 84 after a long illness.