Mayor Dominik Krause congratulates Paul Breitner ahead of his 75th birthday

Munich's Lord Mayor, Dominik Krause, has congratulated former FC Bayern Munich and Germany footballer Paul Breitner on his forthcoming 75th birthday, sending his good wishes on behalf of the members of the city council as well as personally.

In his message, Krause described Breitner as one of the outstanding figures in German football who had decisively shaped the history of the sport in Munich and across Germany. He said Breitner's career was exceptional not only for its many titles and successes but above all for his personality, his stance and his unmistakable manner on and off the pitch.

With FC Bayern, Breitner was part of the legendary side that took the club to the top of European football in the 1970s. He won the German championship and the DFB Cup several times and lifted the European Cup three times, helping to turn the club into an international force. Krause said it was not least thanks to Breitner that Munich is today seen around the world as a major football and sporting city, and thanked him for it.

For the national team, Breitner was a European champion in 1972 and a world champion in 1974. Krause recalled his penalty that levelled the score in the 1974 World Cup final against the Netherlands at Munich's Olympic Stadium, which, together with the later winning goal by his teammate Gerd Müller, laid the foundation for one of the greatest moments in German football.

The mayor also highlighted Breitner's long-standing commitment to social causes. Together with his wife, Hilde, he supports people in urgent need through the Münchner Tafel food bank and the Malteser charity. The city has awarded him the 'München leuchtet' medal in gold for this work, which Krause said was entirely deserved.

Krause ended his message by wishing Breitner and his family all the best for the years ahead, above all good health, personal wellbeing and many fulfilling moments in all his projects.