The former Eintracht Frankfurt star was part of the team that came from behind against the Netherlands in 1974 to clinch their second world crown. He would go on to represent West Germany 45 times, predominantly as a winger, scoring five goals.
Later in life, Holzenbein moved Stateside, representing Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Memphis Americans and Baltimore Blast before moving back to Germany with lower-league club FSV Salmrohr. Like many retired footballers from his era, the ex-winger was diagnosed with dementia, a disease that plagues his latter years.
The Bundesliga website paid tribute to a Frankfurt legend, who remained a passionate fan until the end. Their statement read: “Illness meant the former striker could only follow his beloved Eintracht on TV but his name will forever be remembered around the Waldstadion, where his status as the club’s greatest-ever goalscorer is set to hold for many more years.”
The news comes just months after former international teammate and fellow German icon Franz Beckenbauer passed away. Gerd Muller, another all-time great from that side, died in 2021.
“Bernd Holzenbein, an honourary captain of Eintracht, died on Monday at the age of 78 surrounded by his family.”
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