Australian football mourns death of 1974 Socceroos World Cup hero and friend of Pelé Manfred Shaefer

Australia’s football community has been devastated by the death of pioneer Manfred Schaefer, but his legacy in establishing the code as a national sport will never be forgotten.

The legendary Australian soccer player has died at the age of 80, his passing shocked the entire soccer community with many paying tribute to the man who helped the Socceroos create World Cup history in 1974.

Schaefer was born on February 12, 1943 in the city of Pilla, Germany, in East Prussia. He moved to Australia in 1954, where he started playing for St George-Budapest in Sydney.

He took a job as a milkman, his regular runs contributing to the defender’s extraordinary strength and stamina.

Schaefer’s greatest achievement came in 1974 when he was part of the Socceroos team that qualified for the World Cup for the first time. He played a crucial role in the historic victory over South Korea, which clinched Australia’s place in the tournament.

Schaefer’s contribution to Australian rules football did not end with the 1974 World Cup. He played an instrumental role in the development of the game in Australia, coaching and mentoring young players and serving as a mentor to up-and-coming coaches.

Peter Wilson, Jack Reilly, Branco Buljevic, Adrian Alston, Erny Campbell, Doug (Douglas) Utjesenovic, Ray Richards, Jimmy Mackay, Manfred Schaefer, Collin Curran and James Rooney on the pitch before the World Cup match against West Germany

Despite his accomplishments on the field, Schaefer remained humble and dedicated to his community. He worked as a milkman for over 30 years and was known for his friendly nature and willingness to help others.

Schaefer’s death has been mourned by many in the soccer community, including former Socceroos teammates and coaches.

Former Socceroos manager Rale Rasic paid tribute to Schaefer, saying: ‘He was an extraordinary man, a wonderful footballer. He was tough on the outside but kind and gentle on the inside.

SHAEFER’S SUCCESS

Manfred Schaefer (right) leads Socceroos training with teammate Harry Williams

Represented Australia 73 times between 1967 and 1974, 49 of those ‘A’ Internationals

Since 1959, he has played over 450 games for St George

Coached Australian teams from 1975 to 2004

Best known for his solid defense against stars like Pelé when Santos toured Australia and Germany’s Gerd Muller in the World Cup final.

Inaugural inductee into the Australian Football Federation Hall of Fame

Schaefer Terrace in the Sydney suburb of Glenwood is named after him.

Schaefer’s legacy extends beyond Australian rules football. He was close friends with Brazilian soccer legend Pelé, who described Schaefer as “a great player and a great friend.”

In June 1972, Santos, a Brazilian club, played the Australian national team at the Sydney Sportsground.

The match ended in a 2-2 draw, and during the game Schaefer and Ray Richards were assigned to guard Pele, who was at the height of his popularity after winning the World Cup in Mexico just two years earlier.

During the game, Richards fouled Pele and Schaefer came over to help him up. Pele, recognizing Schaefer, reportedly said, “I know your name, you’re Mr. Bastard.”

Schaefer then talked about his friendship with Pelé and that nickname that stuck.

“When I ran into him again in West Germany during the 1974 World Cup, he greeted me with another ‘Mr Bastard,'” Schaefer said.

‘We had a cup of coffee and chatted. Later, in 2003, I even appeared with him on a TV show for former World Cup players. It was good, very nice. I see him as my best friend, believe it or not.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) President Chris Nikou also paid tribute to Schaefer, saying: “Manfred loved all levels of Australian rules football and regularly supported the sport, be it at grassroots, NPL, Australian Cup or national team, where His presence will now be sorely missed, but will always be felt.’

Schaefer’s contribution to Australian rules football was recognized in 1999 when he was inducted into the Football Federation of Australia Hall of Fame.

Schaefer’s passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes on social media, with many fans and former players paying their respects to the soccer legend.

Pele (pictured during a visit to Australia in 2015) saw Shaefer as a worthy rival and good friend.

Former Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Bosnich tweeted: ‘RIP Manfred Schaefer…wonderful home game server.’

Former Socceroos captain Craig Foster also paid tribute to Schaefer, saying: “I am saddened to hear of Manfred’s passing. A former manager of mine at Marconi in the mid 90’s, gentleman, fixture of the Australian game and the Socceroos. Condolences to the Schaefer family,’

Schaefer’s funeral is expected to take place later this week, with many members of the football community in attendance.