Josef Dieter Maier

Josef Dieter Maier Biography

Josef Dieter "Sepp" Maier is a former German footballer who played as a goalkeeper for West Germany.

He was born on the 28 February 1944 in Metten, Bavaria, Germany.

Background

Maier spent his entire football career at Bayern Munich.

Debut

Maier was selected for four consecutive World Cups in the West Germany squad. In 1966, he was a non-playing second in command to Hans Tilkowski.

In Mexico at the 1970 FIFA World Cup, he was the ultimate starter and played all games (including a 3–4 semifinal loss to Italy).

Rise to Glory

Four years later at the World Cup in his home soil, he was in the best of form as the Germans went all the way to the final. He was there helping his team triumph as the hosts defeated a Johan Cruyff-painted Netherlands team 2–1 in the final in Maier's own hometown Munich.

In the 1978 FIFA World Cup in Argentina, he was slightly out of form but still formidable, Maier was promising but could not prevent his side's bad play after the second round.

Maier was also there in the West Germany team while it won the 1972 UEFA European Football Championship and also when it reached the final in 1976. In all he earned 95 caps for his country.

Low Points

He was on the receiving end of the original Panenka penalty during 1972 European Championship.

Club Career

In 1958, he began playing for Bayern's youth sides. He was part of the legendary Bayern team during the 1970s.

Sepp’s Record in Numbers

He has won three European Cups in one after another and he played in 442 Bundesliga matches in a row from 1966 to 1979, both a German record.

Maier was honored by the Bavarian government with the Life Achievement Award in June 2009 for his contributions in football.

Retirement

He retired on December 1, 1980 and went onto coaching both club and country and mentored Oliver Kahn. but his contract with the national side was ended by manager Jürgen Klinsmann in October 2004, after Maier spoke out in favour of Kahn over Arsenal's Jens Lehmann as the side's first-choice goalkeeper.

He worked as head goalkeeping coach for Bayern before retiring in 2008.