Last update April 2, 2025 by Alberto Llopis
The beginnings in the colony and the jump to the German team
Bodo Illgner began to stand out in the 1. FC Colonia, A club where ownership was quickly won after the legendary Eike Immel, who hung the gloves after the Eurocup of 1988.
Despite the fierce competition between the German goalkeepers of the time, coach Franz Beckenbauer opted for young Illgner for him World Italy 1990. With only 23 years, Illgner became the titular goalkeeper of the German National Team, demonstrating impressive maturity and security for your age.
The World 1990: Illgner's peak moment
The World Cup in Italy 1990 It was the scenario where Bodo Illgner consecrated. In the semifinal against England, Illgner stopped a crucial penalty in the penalty shootout, ensuring the pass from your selection to the final.
Germany won 1-0 With a goal by Andreas Brehme from the penalty spot. Illgner kept its goal to zero, being a key piece for Germany to raise the World Cup. This triumph marked a milestone in his career and made him a national hero.
The farewell of the German national team in 1994
Four years later, In the United States World Cup 1994, Illgner was again the titular goalkeeper of Germany. But nevertheless, The team could not repeat the success of 1990. With 1,87 meters tall and an imposing presence, Illgner failed to avoid the elimination of his selection in the quarterfinals against the surprising Bulgaria de USA 94, That was imposed 2-1 With goals from Hristo Stoichkov and Yordan Letchkov.
After this tournament, Illner, with 54 International parties under your credit, decided to withdraw from the German team to the 27 years, A decision that surprised many due to their youth.
Real Madrid's seventh goalkeeper
In 1996, Bodo Illgner signed for Real Madrid, A movement that marked a new chapter in his career. in the white club, Illgner lived some of the most glorious moments of his career.
In the season 1996-1997, of League All-Star, He was crowned LaLiga champion, and in 1998, He was the team holder who lifted the Champions League after beating 1-0 To Juventus in the final, With an iconic Predrag Mijatović goal. Illgner became the first foreign goalkeeper to win the Champions League with Real Madrid, A historical milestone for the club.
He was also the substitute for a young Iker Casillas who at that time had barely 19 years, At the end of the Champions League of 2000 that the Real Madrid won him for 3 a 0 Al Valencia in Paris.
What does Bodo Illgner do today?
Bodo Illgner has 57 years in 2025 and remains linked to the world of football, although far from the playing land. According to recent information, Illgner has been involved in training projects for young goalkeepers in Germany, collaborating with academies and development programs.
further, He has participated as a commentator in football events, as the Euro 2024, where his experience as world champion was highly valued by fans. In recent interviews, Illgner has expressed his admiration for modern goalkeepers such as Manuel Neuer and Marc-André Ter Stegen, highlighting how the position has evolved since its time.
Your career data
- Birth: 7 April 1967, Cableza, Germany.
- Equipment: 1. FC Colonia (1986-1996), Real Madrid (1996-2001).
- International: 54 games with Germany (1987-1994).
- world: Italy 1990 (champion), U.S 1994 (quarter finals).
- World Cup matches: 12.
- Prominent titles: world 1990, LaLiga 1996-1997, Champions League 1997-1998 Y 1999-2000.
