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60th birthday celebration of World soccer champion, Karl-Heinz Riedle, takes place in Sardinia

"On the occasion of Riedle's 60th birthday, Lars Ricken publicly expresses his reflections about 'Air Riedle' - a topic close to their shared history."

Karl-Heinz Riedle, the world championship victor, marks his 60th birthday in Sardinia.
Karl-Heinz Riedle, the world championship victor, marks his 60th birthday in Sardinia.

60th birthday celebration of World soccer champion, Karl-Heinz Riedle, takes place in Sardinia

Karl-Heinz Riedle Celebrates 60th Birthday Amidst Football Memories

Football legend Karl-Heinz Riedle, affectionately known as "Air Riedle," celebrated his 60th birthday on Tuesday, away from the bustling football field. The former Borussia Dortmund striker marked the milestone on the beautiful island of Sardinia.

Riedle's football career began at TSV Ellhofen and took him on a journey that saw him play for SV Weiler, FC Augsburg, and Blau-Weiß Berlin before joining Borussia Dortmund in the 1986/87 season. It was with Dortmund where he experienced his greatest successes, from 1993 to 1997.

During this period, Riedle was instrumental in Dortmund's victories. The team won two German championships, and in the 1997 Champions League final, they defeated Juventus Turin with a score of 3:1. Riedle scored two goals in that historic match, while Lars Ricken, who is now the sports managing director of Borussia Dortmund, added one more to the tally.

The 1997 Champions League final was not the only memorable moment for Riedle against Juventus. In the same year, he also scored a goal in the UEFA Super Cup against the same opponents, helping Dortmund secure the victory.

Riedle's football career with the German national team was equally impressive. He played 42 international matches between 1988 and 1994, scoring 16 goals. The highlight of his national team career was the World Cup title in Italy in 1990.

After retiring from football, Riedle has been involved with Borussia Dortmund in various capacities. He has worked as an international brand ambassador for the club since 2014. Moreover, he runs a sports marketing company and a hotel in Oberstaufen.

Interestingly, Riedle was not present at the recent 4:4 draw between Borussia Dortmund and Juventus Turin, despite his birthday falling on the day of the match. It remains unclear who joined him to celebrate his 60th birthday during the match.

Riedle's heading skills were a key part of his success on the field. This talent earned him the nickname "Air Riedle," a fitting moniker for a player who could soar above defenders to score crucial goals.

Since retiring from football, Riedle has continued to be associated with the sport, working as a TV expert for RTL from 2021 to 2023. His contributions to football, both on and off the field, have made him a beloved figure in the sport.

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