1. Overview
Johann "Hans" Krankl (Hans Kranklhans ˈkʁaŋklGerman; born February 14, 1953) is an Austrian former professional footballer widely regarded as one of the nation's greatest players. A prolific striker, Krankl achieved significant success throughout his extensive playing career at both club and international levels. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into managerial roles, including coaching the Austria national team. Beyond football, Krankl also pursued a successful musical career, demonstrating his broad popularity and influence in Austrian society. This article details his remarkable journey through football and his lasting legacy.
2. Playing Career
Krankl's playing career was marked by exceptional goal-scoring ability and numerous significant achievements, establishing him as a legendary figure in Austrian football and beyond. His impact was felt across various clubs and on the international stage with the Austria national team.
2.1. Club Career
Krankl's professional club engagements saw him become a prolific scorer and a key player, contributing to multiple titles and individual accolades across various teams.
2.1.1. SK Rapid Wien
Krankl began his professional career at SK Rapid Wien in 1970, where he spent eight impactful years, interrupted only by a one-year loan spell. During his initial tenure, he emerged as a dominant left-footed striker, earning the European Golden Shoe in 1978 for his remarkable 41 goals in the 1977-78 season. This prolific scoring attracted the attention of major European clubs.
He returned to Rapid Wien in 1981 and continued his exceptional form, captaining the side and scoring over 100 goals in the subsequent five years. He was instrumental in the club's most successful period in the 1980s, leading them to two League titles in 1981-82 and 1982-83. Additionally, he secured three consecutive Austrian Cup titles from 1982-83 to 1984-85. Krankl also played a crucial role in Rapid Wien's journey to the 1985 European Cup Winners' Cup Final, where he scored the team's only goal in a 3-1 loss to Everton.
2.1.2. FC Barcelona
In 1978, Krankl moved to FC Barcelona in Spain, where he enjoyed a highly successful period. This transfer came as Barcelona sought a successor to the legendary Johan Cruyff. In his first season, 1978-79, Krankl was instrumental in Barcelona's triumph in the European Cup Winners' Cup, scoring a goal in the final itself. He also contributed to the team's Copa del Rey victory in the 1980-81 season. During the 1978-79 La Liga season, he was the league's top goalscorer with 29 goals, earning him the prestigious Pichichi Trophy.
2.1.3. Other Clubs
Beyond his prominent spells at SK Rapid Wien and FC Barcelona, Krankl also made contributions to several other clubs. He spent a year on loan at Wiener AC during the 1971-72 season, where he scored 27 goals in 26 appearances. Later, during his time with Barcelona, he was loaned to First Vienna FC for the 1979-80 season, adding 12 goals in 17 appearances.
After his second stint at Rapid Wien, he joined Wiener Sport-Club in 1986, initially as a player-manager, contributing 40 goals in 60 appearances over two seasons. He then played briefly for Kremser SC in the 1988-89 season, making 5 appearances and scoring 1 goal, before concluding his playing career at Austria Salzburg in 1989, where he scored 10 goals in 14 appearances.
2.2. International Career
Krankl's international career with the Austria national football team spanned from 1973 to 1985, during which he became one of the nation's most impactful players on the global stage.
2.2.1. FIFA World Cup Appearances
Krankl made his debut for Austria in a June 1973 friendly match against Brazil. He was a key figure in Austria's qualification for the 1978 FIFA World Cup, marking the first time the country had reached the World Cup finals in twenty years. In the 1978 tournament held in Argentina, he scored four goals: one against Spain and another against Sweden in the first group stage. He also participated in the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain, where he scored one goal against Algeria in the group stage and played in four matches.
2.2.2. Key International Matches and Goals
Krankl's international career is highlighted by several memorable goal-scoring feats and significant matches. In a 1977 World Cup qualifier against Malta, he scored an impressive six goals in a dominant 9-0 victory for Austria.
Perhaps his most legendary achievement came during the 1978 FIFA World Cup in a second-round match against West Germany. In a game famously dubbed "The miracle of Córdoba," Krankl scored the winning goal in the 88th minute, securing a 3-2 victory for Austria. This marked Austria's first win against West Germany in 47 years and cemented Krankl's legendary status in his homeland. The live footage of this goal, accompanied by the iconic audio commentary Tor Tor Tor Tor Tor Tor, I werd' narrischGoal goal goal goal goal goal, I'm going crazyGerman, remains a regularly featured and immediately recognizable moment in Austrian football history. He earned a total of 69 caps for the national team, scoring 34 goals.
3. Managerial Career
After concluding his playing career in 1989, Hans Krankl transitioned into football management, taking on coaching roles for various club teams and eventually the Austria national team.
3.1. National Team Management
Krankl was appointed manager of the Austria national football team in March 2002, succeeding Otto Barić. His tenure was marked by the challenge of qualifying for major international tournaments. Austria failed to advance past the qualification stages for UEFA Euro 2004, finishing behind strong teams like the Czech Republic and the Netherlands. Similarly, under his leadership, the team's performance in the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers was subpar, with Austria failing to secure a spot in the tournament, finishing behind teams such as England and Poland. Consequently, Krankl was sacked on September 28, 2005.
3.2. Club Management
Krankl's club management career began shortly after his retirement as a player. He coached his former club, SK Rapid Wien, from 1989 to 1992. He also had multiple stints managing VfB Mödling (1992-1994, 1996, 2000-2001), and managed FC Tirol Innsbruck (1994-1995), SV Gerasdorf (1997), and SV Austria Salzburg (1998-1999). In 2000, he briefly managed German club SC Fortuna Köln. His most recent club management role was with LASK Linz, where he was appointed in March 2009 but resigned in May of the same year after the final match of the season. In addition to his coaching roles, Krankl has also intermittently appeared as a studio guest and co-commentator for the Austrian public service broadcaster ORF.
4. Musical Career
Beyond his celebrated football career, Hans Krankl also achieved considerable success as a singer in Austria. He released several songs that entered the Austrian music charts. His most notable musical achievement was the single "Lonely Boy," released in 1985, which peaked at number 2 on the Austrian charts, showcasing his popularity beyond the football pitch.
5. Honours and Awards
Hans Krankl's illustrious career was recognized with numerous team and individual accolades, solidifying his status as one of Austria's most decorated footballers.
5.1. Club Honours
Krankl's contributions led his clubs to several significant titles:
- Rapid Wien
- Austrian Football Bundesliga: 1981-82, 1982-83
- Austrian Cup: 1975-76, 1982-83, 1983-84, 1984-85
- UEFA Cup Winners' Cup: Runner-up 1985
- Barcelona
- Copa del Rey: 1980-81
- UEFA Cup Winners' Cup: 1978-79
5.2. Individual Awards
Krankl received widespread individual recognition for his exceptional talent and performance:
- Ballon d'Or Silver Ball: 1978
- Onze d'Argent: 1978
- Onze d'Or: 1978, 1979
- Sport Ideal European XI: 1978
- Austrian Player of the Year: 1973, 1974, 1977, 1982, 1988 (a record five times)
- Austrian Bundesliga Top Goalscorer: 1973-74 (36 goals), 1976-77 (32 goals), 1977-78 (41 goals), 1982-83 (23 goals)
- Pichichi Trophy: 1978-79 (29 goals)
- European Golden Shoe: 1978
- Austrian Manager of the Year: 1999
- Voted the most popular Austrian player of the last 25 years.
6. Career Statistics
Hans Krankl's career statistics reflect his consistent and prolific goal-scoring ability throughout his professional playing days at both club and international levels.
6.1. Club Statistics
| Club | Season | League | National Cup | League Cup | Europe | Total | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||||
| Rapid Wien | 1970-71 | Austrian Bundesliga | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | - | - | 6 | 0 | ||||
| 1972-73 | 30 | 14 | 8 | 6 | - | 4 | 1 | 42 | 21 | |||||
| 1973-74 | 32 | 36 | 6 | 5 | - | 4 | 1 | 42 | 42 | |||||
| 1974-75 | 33 | 17 | 3 | 0 | - | 4 | 1 | 40 | 18 | |||||
| 1975-76 | 35 | 20 | 6 | 6 | - | 2 | 1 | 43 | 27 | |||||
| 1976-77 | 35 | 32 | 1 | 2 | - | 2 | 1 | 38 | 35 | |||||
| 1977-78 | 36 | 41 | 3 | 1 | - | 2 | 0 | 41 | 42 | |||||
| Total | 207 | 160 | 27 | 20 | - | 18 | 5 | 252 | 185 | |||||
| Wiener AC (loan) | 1971-72 | 26 | 27 | - | - | 26 | 27 | |||||||
| Barcelona | 1978-79 | La Liga | 30 | 29 | 1 | 1 | - | 9 | 5 | 40 | 36 | |||
| 1979-80 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | - | 3 | 4 | 12 | 6 | |||||
| 1980-81 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | - | 1 | 0 | 8 | 3 | |||||
| Total | 46 | 34 | 1 | 1 | - | 13 | 9 | 60 | 45 | |||||
| First Vienna (loan) | 1979-80 | Austrian Bundesliga | 17 | 12 | - | - | 17+ | 12+ | ||||||
| Rapid Wien | 1980-81 | Austrian Bundesliga | 18 | 16 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 19 | 16 | ||||
| 1981-82 | 32 | 19 | 2 | 1 | - | 6 | 3 | 40 | 23 | |||||
| 1982-83 | 26 | 23 | 7 | 9 | - | 4 | 4 | 37 | 36 | |||||
| 1983-84 | 27 | 17 | 7 | 8 | - | 6 | 1 | 40 | 26 | |||||
| 1984-85 | 25 | 14 | 7 | 12 | - | 8 | 4 | 40 | 30 | |||||
| 1985-86 | 17 | 18 | 1 | 1 | - | 3 | 1 | 21 | 20 | |||||
| Total | 145 | 107 | 25 | 31 | - | 27 | 13 | 197 | 151 | |||||
| Wiener Sport-Club | 1986-87 | 27 | 20 | - | - | 27+ | 20+ | |||||||
| 1987-88 | 33 | 20 | 2+ | 1 | - | - | 35+ | 21 | ||||||
| Total | 60 | 40 | - | - | 60+ | 40+ | ||||||||
| Kremser SC | 1988-89 | Austrian First League | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 5+ | 1+ | ||||
| Austria Salzburg | 1988-89 | Austrian First League | 14 | 10 | 2 | 0 | - | - | 16 | 10 | ||||
| Career total | 473 | 354 | 59+ | 53 | - | 58 | 27 | 590+ | 472+ | |||||
6.2. International Statistics
Scores and results list Austria's goal tally first.
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | March 27, 1974 | De Kuip, Rotterdam | Netherlands | 1-0 | 1-1 | Friendly |
| 2. | September 4, 1974 | Praterstadion, Vienna | Wales | 2-1 | 2-1 | Euro 1976 qualifier |
| 3. | September 28, 1974 | Praterstadion, Vienna | Hungary | 1-0 | 1-0 | Friendly |
| 4. | March 16, 1975 | Stade Municipal, Luxembourg | Luxembourg | 2-1 | 2-1 | Euro 1976 qualifier |
| 5. | September 24, 1975 | Népstadion, Budapest | Hungary | 1-2 | 1-2 | Euro 1976 qualifier |
| 6. | October 15, 1975 | Praterstadion, Vienna | Luxembourg | 2-2 | 6-2 | Euro 1976 qualifier |
| 7. | 5-2 | |||||
| 8. | September 22, 1976 | Linzer Stadion, Linz | Switzerland | 1-0 | 3-1 | Friendly |
| 9. | October 13, 1976 | Praterstadion, Vienna | Hungary | 1-2 | 4-2 | Friendly |
| 10. | 2-2 | |||||
| 11. | November 10, 1976 | Anthi Karagianni Stadium, Kavala | Greece | 2-0 | 3-0 | Friendly |
| 12. | December 5, 1976 | Empire Stadium, Gżira | Malta | 1-0 | 1-0 | 1978 World Cup qualifier |
| 13. | December 15, 1976 | National Stadium, Ramat Gan | Israel | 3-1 | 3-1 | Friendly |
| 14. | April 30, 1977 | Stadion Lehen, Salzburg | Malta | 1-0 | 9-0 | 1978 World Cup qualifier |
| 15. | 2-0 | |||||
| 16. | 3-0 | |||||
| 17. | 4-0 | |||||
| 18. | 6-0 | |||||
| 19. | 8-0 | |||||
| 20. | August 24, 1977 | Praterstadion, Vienna | Poland | 2-0 | 2-1 | Friendly |
| 21. | February 15, 1978 | Nea Filadelfeia Stadium, Athens | Greece | 1-1 | 1-1 | Friendly |
| 22. | June 3, 1978 | José Amalfitani Stadium, Buenos Aires | Spain | 2-1 | 2-1 | 1978 World Cup |
| 23. | June 7, 1978 | José Amalfitani Stadium, Buenos Aires | Sweden | 1-0 | 1-0 | 1978 World Cup |
| 24. | June 21, 1978 | Estadio Chateau Carreras, Córdoba | West Germany | 2-1 | 3-2 | 1978 World Cup |
| 25. | 3-2 | |||||
| 26. | August 30, 1978 | Ullevaal Stadium, Oslo | Norway | 2-0 | 2-0 | Euro 1980 qualifier |
| 27. | March 28, 1979 | Parc Astrid, Brussels | Belgium | 1-1 | 1-1 | Euro 1980 qualifier |
| 28. | August 29, 1979 | Praterstadion, Vienna | Norway | 4-0 | 4-0 | Euro 1980 qualifier |
| 29. | October 17, 1979 | Hampden Park, Glasgow | Scotland | 1-0 | 1-1 | Euro 1980 qualifier |
| 30. | November 15, 1980 | Praterstadion, Vienna | Albania | 5-0 | 5-0 | 1982 World Cup qualifier |
| 31 | May 28, 1981 | Praterstadion, Vienna | Bulgaria | 1-0 | 2-0 | 1982 World Cup qualifier |
| 32. | June 17, 1981 | Linzer Stadion, Linz | Finland | 3-0 | 3-0 | 1982 World Cup qualifier |
| 33. | March 24, 1982 | Népstadion, Budapest | Hungary | 1-0 | 3-2 | Friendly |
| 34. | June 21, 1982 | Estadio Carlos Tartiere, Oviedo | Algeria | 2-0 | 2-0 | 1982 World Cup |
7. Legacy and Recognition
Hans Krankl's legacy in Austrian football is profound and enduring. He is widely considered one of Austria's greatest and most iconic players, revered for his exceptional goal-scoring prowess and his significant contributions to both club and national team success. His popularity among fans remains high, evidenced by his selection as the most popular Austrian player of the last 25 years. The "Miracle of Córdoba" goal, in particular, has become an indelible part of Austrian sporting folklore, with its footage and commentary regularly replayed, symbolizing a moment of national pride and a testament to Krankl's legendary status. His influence extends beyond his playing days, as he continued to contribute to football as a manager and media personality, further cementing his place in the nation's sporting history.
