Helmut Schön (15 September 1915 in Dresden, Germany - 23 February 1996 in Wiesbaden, Germany) was a German football player and manager. He is best remembered for his exceptional career as manager of West Germany.

In 1956 he became assistant to Sepp Herberger, whom he succeeded as manager of the national team in November 1964.

Under Schön's leadership, the West German team were Football World Cup runners-up in 1966, third in the World Cup of 1970, European champions in 1972, World Cup winners in 1974 and European Championship runners-up in 1976. He holds World Cup records for both coaching the most matches (25) and the most wins (16).

Schön gave notice that he would retire after the 1978 World Cup, to be replaced by his assistant Jupp Derwall. He was unable to go out on a high note as his team were knocked out of the competition by Austria. During his 14 year tenure as national coach, his record was 87 victories and 30 draws in 139 matches.

1915 births | 1996 deaths | German footballers | German football managers | FIFA World Cup-winning managers

Helmut Schön | Helmut Schön | Helmut Schön