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Bruno Pezzey

Bruno Pezzey was an Austrian professional footballer and one of Austria's greatest defenders, playing for prominent clubs and the national team, including two FIFA World Cups.

1. Early Life and Background

Bruno Edmund Pezzey was born on 3 February 1955, in Lauterach, Vorarlberg, Austria. He passed away on 31 December 1994, in Innsbruck, Tyrol, just weeks before his 40th birthday. Pezzey was survived by his wife and two daughters.

2. Playing Career

Bruno Pezzey's professional football career was marked by significant achievements at both club and international levels, establishing him as a prominent figure in Austrian football history.

2.1. Club Career

Pezzey began his professional career at his local club, FC Vorarlberg, where he played for one season. In 1974, at the age of 18, he made a pivotal move to FC Wacker Innsbruck, a renowned club in the Austrian Football Bundesliga. During his initial spell with Innsbruck from 1974 to 1978, Pezzey quickly became a key player, contributing to two Austrian Bundesliga titles (1974-75, 1976-77) and one Austrian Cup (1974-75). He also played a vital role in the team's advancement to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions Cup.

In 1978, Pezzey transferred to German Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt. As a defensive linchpin, he helped Frankfurt secure the UEFA Cup in the 1979-80 season and the DFB-Pokal in 1980-81. During his tenure at Frankfurt, Pezzey earned international recognition, being selected for the FIFA World XI in 1979 and the UEFA European XI in 1982. His consistent world-class performances led to four consecutive nominations for the Ballon d'Or (1979-1982), a remarkable achievement for a defender, with him consistently finishing among the top 10 candidates.

Pezzey moved to SV Werder Bremen in 1983, spending four seasons there. Although he did not win any silverware with Bremen, the club finished as Bundesliga runner-up twice (1985 and 1986). During this period, he continued to be highly regarded in German football, frequently being named to the Kicker magazine's Bundesliga Team of the Season.

In 1987, Pezzey returned to Innsbruck, joining FC Swarovski Tirol, which was effectively a successor to FC Wacker Innsbruck. Under the guidance of coach Ernst Happel, he once again experienced success, winning two more Austrian Bundesliga titles (1988-89, 1989-90) and another Austrian Cup (1988-89). Pezzey retired from professional football in 1990.

2.2. International Career

Bruno Pezzey made his debut for the Austria national football team in June 1975 against Czechoslovakia. He became a central figure and defensive leader for the national team over 15 years. Pezzey was a key participant in two FIFA World Cup tournaments, playing in all matches at both the 1978 FIFA World Cup in Argentina and the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain.

At the 1978 tournament, he was part of the historic Austrian squad that achieved the 'Cordoba Miracle', defeating defending champions West Germany by a score of 3-2. In the 1982 World Cup, during a second-round group stage match against Northern Ireland in Madrid, Pezzey scored Austria's opening goal in the 50th minute with a notable heel kick. The match ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw.

Throughout his international career, Pezzey earned 84 caps and scored nine goals. As of 2024, he remains one of Austria's most capped players, ranking joint eighth in the all-time appearances list alongside Friedrich Koncilia and Julian Baumgartlinger. His final international appearance was a friendly match against Switzerland in August 1990.

2.3. Playing Style and Position

Bruno Pezzey was primarily known for his role as a libero, a versatile defensive position that allowed him to not only orchestrate the defense but also contribute significantly to offensive plays. Standing at 74 in (188 cm), his height made him a formidable presence, particularly in aerial duels. Pezzey was celebrated for his strong defensive acumen, but he also possessed the skill and vision to actively participate in attacks, making him a comprehensive and influential player on the field.

3. Honours and Achievements

Bruno Pezzey accumulated numerous team and individual honours throughout his distinguished career.

3.1. Team Honours

  • Wacker Innsbruck (first spell)
    • Austrian Football Bundesliga: 1974-75, 1976-77
    • Austrian Cup: 1974-75
  • Eintracht Frankfurt
    • UEFA Cup: 1979-80
    • DFB-Pokal: 1980-81
  • SV Werder Bremen
    • Bundesliga Runner-up: 1984-85, 1985-86
  • Swarovski Tirol (second spell in Innsbruck)
    • Austrian Football Bundesliga: 1988-89, 1989-90
    • Austrian Cup: 1988-89

3.2. Individual Honours

  • Sport Ideal European XI: 1979
  • Kicker Bundesliga Team of the Season: 1980-81, 1985-86
  • FIFA World XI: 1979
  • UEFA European XI: 1982
  • Ballon d'Or nominations (top 10): 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982
  • Austrian 20th Century Best XI

4. Death and Legacy

Bruno Pezzey's life was tragically cut short on 31 December 1994, when he died of heart failure in an Innsbruck hospital. His death occurred shortly after he had participated in an ice hockey game, just a few weeks before his 40th birthday. He left behind his wife and two daughters.

Pezzey's legacy in Austrian football is profound. He is widely considered the best Austrian defender since World War II, and his reputation as a legendary player enduring. Following his retirement, the Austrian Football Association had approached him to contribute to the development of a new youth concept, underscoring the high regard in which his footballing insight was held. In tribute to his immense contributions, his youth club, FC Lauterach, named its sports complex the "Sportanlage Bruno Pezzey" in his honour.