Werder Bremen's good soul: Farewell to legend Max Lorenz

Werder Bremen's good soul: Farewell to legend Max Lorenz

On October 24, 2025, the football world lost one of its great heroes: Max Lorenz, once the “good soul” of Werder Bremen, died at the age of 86. The native of Bremen was born on August 19, 1939 and, after his career as an active player, left a remarkable achievement in the annals of German football. NDR reports that Lorenz was not only runner-up in the World Cup in 1966 and third in the World Cup in 1970, but also won the German championship in 1965 and the cup in 1961 with Werder Bremen.

His Bundesliga career began on August 24, 1963 with an impressive debut against Borussia Dortmund, where his team won 3-2. Lorenz appeared in a total of 247 Bundesliga games, scoring 17 goals. He had previously played 75 games in the league, in which he scored 11 goals. He failed to inspire a new generation of football fans until his final encounter on October 30, 1971, when he played for Eintracht Braunschweig against Bremen.

An eventful career

Max Lorenz was known for his versatility on the pitch. He not only played as a midfielder, but could also shine as a cover player and in the wide positions. His ability to adapt to circumstances and always get the best out of himself made him a valuable player for his teams. Despite his sporting success, Lorenz was not spared from controversy. He was involved in the so-called Bundesliga bribery scandal of the 1970s and received a 15-month ban and a fine of 2,200 marks.

His life was not only characterized by sporting successes. In 2008, Lorenz suffered a serious stroke that put his life in danger. However, thanks to the quick reaction of his partner, he was saved. In the years that followed, he struggled again with health problems, including after heart surgery in fall 2018, during which he was in a coma for ten days. These difficult times clearly showed how important the support of family and friends was for him.

humor and popularity

Lorenz lived in Bremen for many years and was known not only for his sporting achievements, but also for his infectious humor. He was extremely popular with his teammates and fans, making him a true icon for the club. This mixture of sporting ability and personal warmth does justice to his memory and will remain forever in the hearts of his supporters.

In total, Max Lorenz played 321 league games and scored 28 goals, an impressive record that can be seen as a role model by many young players. Through his commitment both on and off the field, he has left a lasting legacy that goes far beyond his success as an athlete. He will be missed by the football world and his memories will remain alive for years to come. Wikipedia describes his football path as an impressive journey through the history of German football.