11/30/2025
Rudi Völler – The Lion of Italia ’90
In 1990, as West Germany marched toward their third World Cup triumph, Rudi Völler stood at the heart of it all—brave, combative, and endlessly reliable. With his trademark curls and unmistakable presence up front, Völler embodied everything that made that German side so formidable: discipline, hunger, and a refusal to be intimidated.
His goals, his movement, and his sheer fighting spirit played a decisive role in taking Franz Beckenbauer’s team all the way to the final. Even through the chaos of the infamous clash with Frank Rijkaard, Völler rose above it—responding not with drama, but with performances of grit and class that defined his character.
In that World Cup final in Rome, he was the constant threat that kept Argentina pinned back, his runs and pressure helping open the door for Andreas Brehme’s winning penalty. When the whistle blew, Völler wasn’t just a World Cup winner—he was a symbol of Germany’s resilience.