Wilfried Hannes

Wilfried Hannes (born 17 May 1957 in Düren-Echtz, Germany) is a former German footballer, who played as a defender, and manager, known for achieving his career despite being visually impaired after a pupil-tumor had caused him to lose his sight in his right eye as a child.

Club career

At first a striker, Hannes was a defender in his professional career for Borussia Mönchengladbach, he joined the club during the Bundesliga Championship and UEFA Cup winning season of 1975. He was a fan favourite and a crucial player, he went on to collect two more German Bundesliga titles in 1976 and 1977 and the UEFA Cup in 1979. In his years with the club he also helped them to European Cup runners-up in 1977, UEFA Cup runners-up in 1980 and German Cup runners-up in 1984.

As a sweeper Hannes was renowned for his forward surges and his long distance shots, many resulting in goals. He was also an accomplished header of the ball and his record of 58 goals in 261 games at Borussia Mönchengladbach speaks volumes for Hannes technique.

International career

His international career for West Germany lasted for just about one year in the early 1980s. In these months he won eight caps in qualification for the 1982 FIFA World Cup. He went to the 1982 FIFA World Cup with West Germany and they came runners-up in the tournament. The fact he only made eight appearances was more to do with the great defensive partnership of the Förster brothers at that time rather than his lack of ability.

Lothar Matthäus has been previously quoted has saying that during his early career at Borussia Mönchengladbach he learnt a lot from Wilfried Hannes whilst playing alongside him.

Coaching career

His career as manager includes spells at Alemannia Aachen (1991–1994) and other clubs of the size of fourth divisional outfits. Lately he coached SC Borussia 1912 Freialdenhoven in the fifth division.

Career statistics

Club

Honours

Club

Borussia Mönchengladbach

• Bundesliga: 1975–76, 1976–77
• UEFA Cup: 1978–79