Karl-Heinz Riedle might not be a familiar name for most football fans of this generation, as the former German striker was a prominent name of the 80's and 90's. Even though Riedle wasn't particularly tall, he was still nicknamed "The Air" during his playing days. The player's notable heading accuracy, jumping skills, proper aerial timing, and ability to get on the end of crosses were the reasons for that title. All of these traits made him a traditional yet well-rounded and prolific centre forward at the time. Let us now take a look at the German's glorious football career.
Made in Germany
Born in Weiler im Allgäu, Swabia, Karl-Heinz Riedle began his professional football career with German club FC Augsburg. The club were playing in the Bayernliga back then, which was one of the lower divisions in German football.
Riedle became the club's top goalscorer in the 1985–86 season with 20 goals, and his top. Performances eventually resulted in a transfer interest from newly promoted Bundesliga side SpVgg Blau-Weiß 1890 Berlin.
Berlin went on to sign the player 1986, with Riedle making a forgettable debut in a 4–1 home thrashing against 1. FC Kaiserslautern. The club eventually got relegated, and that also meant the end of Riedle's time with the club.
German side SV Werder Bremen was the next destination for the German striker, which had the legendary Otto Rehhagel as their manager. Riedle had an excellent debut season with the club, as he finished the campaign with 18 goals. This made him the league's second best goalscorer, only behind Jürgen Klinsmann who scored 24. Despite missing out on individual glory, Riedle's goals helped the club win the ultimate prize, as Werder Bremen became league champions.
In addition to the Bundesliga, Riedle was able to win the DFL-Supercup as well with Bremen. His 3 year spell at the club saw him score 58 goals in all competitions, and help the team reach consecutive German Cup finals. However, they ended up losing on both occasions.
Germany to Italy
After his heroics in Germany, Riedle's next chapter in football took him to Italy. S.S. Lazio ended up signing the German striker, for a reported 13 million DM transfer fee.
The German's time with the Romania club did not see him win any silverware, with the side even failing to reach a single final during this period. Riedle's best season at Lazio was the 1991–92 campaign, during which he scored 13 goals in 29 games. Despite his contributions, Lazio were only able to finish 10th in the league.
After 3 years with Lazio, Riedle returned to Germany once again. Borussia Dortmund was his new home, where he arguably has his greatest phase as a footballer.
The German striker was a frequent name in the starting lineup for most of his time at Dortmund, forming an attacking partnership with teammate Stéphane Chapuisat. He was however, unable to reproduce the goalscoring heroics that was expected from him. Riedle failed to register double-digit goals in any of his seasons at Dortmund.
Despite those setbacks, the German's combined 13 goals were crucial in Dortmund's 1995 and 1996 national championship victories. The moment that made him an eternal legend however, happened in the 1996–97 UEFA Champions League.
Borussia Dortmund reached all the way till the finals, and Juventus was the only club that stood in front of their dreams to conquer Europe. Riedle put on a legendary performance in the European final, as his brace helped Dortmund conquer the Old Lady 3-1. The German's heroics ultimately saw Dortmund become European Champions.
Final years
After his heroic still at Dortmund, Riedle's final footballing chapter took him to England. The German joined Liverpool in 1997, but his time at the club failed to meet expectations.
After 2 years at Anfield, Riedle was signed by Fulham. He played a further 2 years with the English club, before eventually bidding farewell to the Beautiful game.
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