Heinrich Stuhlfauth

Heinrich ("Heiner") Stuhlfauth (born 11 January 1896 in Nuremberg, died 12 September 1966 in Nuremberg) was a German goalkeeper. Height 1.84 m

Playing Career

File:Heinrich Stuhlfauth at the banner. EasyCredit-stadion.png

Photograph of Stuhlfauth on a banner commemorating 1. FC Nuremberg's 1927 championship triumph

From 1916 to 1933 he played in 606 games for 1. FC Nuremberg, then a dominating team in German football, winning five national championships (1920, 1921, 1924, 1925, 1927). Between 1918 and 1922 Nuremberg did not lose in 104 association games, with a goal difference of 480:47.

He also gained 21 international caps, captaining the German national side in six appearances. He surpassed the record of Eugen Kipp (19 games) for the most appearances for the national team. His last international cap was a 0-2 loss against Italy in Frankfurt in 1930.

Stuhlfauth was considered one of the best goalkeepers of his time, along with legendary Spanish keeper Ricardo Zamora. He was known for being one of the first "playing" goalkeepers, actively participating in the game. In games he always wore a grey sweater and a flat cap.

Post Playing Career

Until World War II Stuhlfauth kept a prominent Nuremberg inn. Afterwards he worked as a sports teacher and coach. He remained involved with the 1. FC Nuremberg and was widely credited for his achievements and loyalty. In 2008 he was posthumously introduced into Germany's Sports Hall of Fame.

One of his quotes is still prominently cited by the club and its fans:

"It is an honour to play for the town, the club and the citizens of Nuremberg. May all of this be preserved, and may the great FC Nuremberg never founder."