A Nazi POW became England's football saint—after breaking his neck in the cup final.
How could a German Wehrmacht soldier become a celebrated soccer idol of the Britons in the post-war period? The documentary by Radio Bremen shows the moving life story of the soccer star of the 1950s in a torn Europe and how an enemy became a friend. With his legendary appearance in the English Cup Final 1956, in which he played until the end despite a broken neck, Bert Trautmann set up a memorial for himself in the history of sport. Already in the same year, he is chosen as England’s footballer of the year, and by his club Manchester City even as best player of all times. Bernhard “Bert” Trautmann is one of the most popular and best-known soccer players in England.
Editing
Archival footage woven tight with Jochmann's measured narration.
Production
Radio Bremen doing prestige work on a shoestring.
Director
Janos Kereszti
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Trautmann only learned his neck was broken three days after the final—he thought it was just a cramp.
Manchester City fans initially protested signing a German so soon after the war; within months, they were chanting his name.
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