1. Overview
Maximilian Morlock (Maximilian MorlockˈmɔʁlɔkGerman), often known as Max Morlock, was a distinguished German footballer who played as an inside right forward in the 1950s and early 1960s. He is widely recognized for his extensive and impactful career with 1. FC Nürnberg and his pivotal role in the West Germany national team's triumph at the 1954 FIFA World Cup, where he scored a crucial goal in the final match. A revered figure in German football, Morlock's legacy continues to be honored, particularly in his hometown of Nuremberg.
2. Life and playing career
Maximilian Morlock's football journey began in his youth, leading him to become a legendary player for 1. FC Nürnberg and a key member of the West Germany national team that achieved their first FIFA World Cup victory.
2.1. Youth and early development
Maximilian Morlock was born on May 11, 1925, in Nuremberg, Germany. He began his footballing education in his youth at Eintracht Nürnberg, a local club. His talent quickly became apparent, and in 1940, at the age of 15, he joined the renowned 1. FC Nürnberg, then a prominent club in German football.
2.2. Club career
Morlock made his debut for 1. FC Nürnberg's first team on November 30, 1941. He spent his entire professional club career with the Club (1. FC Nürnberg), appearing in more than 900 first-team matches and scoring approximately 700 goals across all competitions until his retirement in 1964. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in leading the team to significant successes. He helped secure two German championships in 1948 and 1961, and also contributed to their victory in the German Cup in 1962.
Beyond these broader statistics, Morlock's league career with 1. FC Nürnberg also saw him achieve impressive individual numbers. In the Oberliga Süd, he recorded 451 appearances and 286 goals. Notably, he was the top scorer in the Oberliga Süd for two consecutive seasons, 1950-51 and 1951-52. Even at the age of 38, Morlock continued to perform at a high level, making 21 appearances and scoring 8 goals in the inaugural season of the Bundesliga in 1963-64, marking his participation in Germany's new professional league.
2.3. International career
Maximilian Morlock's international career for the West Germany national team began in 1950, when he stepped in to play for the injured Fritz Walter. He earned a total of 26 caps and scored 21 goals for his country. His most significant contribution came in 1954 when he was a key member of the West Germany squad that won their first FIFA World Cup in Switzerland.
In the historic final match of the 1954 FIFA World Cup against the formidable Hungarian side, often referred to as the "Magical Magyars," Morlock scored West Germany's first goal. This goal initiated a remarkable comeback after the team had fallen 2-0 behind, ultimately leading to West Germany's famous 3-2 victory, widely known as the "Miracle of Bern." He continued to represent his country until December 1958, when he played his last cap in a friendly match against Egypt.
2.4. Playing style
As a player, Maximilian Morlock was known for his exceptional technical skills combined with a strong fighting spirit. He excelled as a linkman, effectively connecting the defense and attack, making him a crucial pivot in his team's play. Beyond his ability to orchestrate play, Morlock was also a potent threat in front of goal, possessing a keen instinct for scoring. His versatility and effectiveness in both playmaking and finishing made him a formidable forward throughout his career.
3. Career statistics
Maximilian Morlock's career was marked by significant contributions at both club and international levels, reflected in his detailed statistical record.
3.1. International appearances and goals
His appearances and goals for the national team are detailed annually in the table below.
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 1950 | 1 | 0 |
| 1951 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1952 | 3 | 2 | |
| 1953 | 4 | 4 | |
| 1954 | 8 | 9 | |
| 1955 | 3 | 1 | |
| 1956 | 2 | 0 | |
| 1958 | 2 | 1 | |
| Total | 26 | 21 | |
Scores and results list West Germany's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Morlock goal.
3.2. List of international goals
This table provides a comprehensive list of Maximilian Morlock's goals scored for the West Germany national team.
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 23 September 1951 | Praterstadion, Vienna, Austria | Austria | - | 2-0 | Friendly |
| 2 | 17 October 1951 | Dalymount Park, Dublin, Republic of Ireland | Republic of Ireland | 1-2 | 2-3 | Friendly |
| 3 | 21 November 1951 | Istanbul, Turkey | Turkey | 1-0 | 2-0 | Friendly |
| 4 | 2-0 | |||||
| 5 | 9 November 1952 | Rosenaustadion, Augsburg, Germany | Switzerland | - | 5-1 | Friendly |
| 6 | 21 December 1952 | Südweststadion, Ludwigshafen, Germany | Yugoslavia | - | 3-2 | Friendly |
| 7 | 11 October 1953 | Neckarstadion, Stuttgart, Germany | Saar | 1-0 | 3-0 | 1954 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 8 | 2-0 | |||||
| 9 | 22 November 1953 | Volksparkstadion, Hamburg, Germany | Norway | 1-1 | 5-1 | 1954 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 10 | 2-1 | |||||
| 11 | 28 March 1954 | Ludwigsparkstadion, Saarbrücken, Saar Protectorate | Saar | 1-0 | 3-1 | 1954 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 12 | 2-0 | |||||
| 13 | 25 April 1954 | St. Jakob Stadium, Basel, Switzerland | Switzerland | - | 5-3 | Friendly |
| 14 | 17 June 1954 | Wankdorf Stadium, Bern, Switzerland | Turkey | 4-1 | 4-1 | 1954 FIFA World Cup |
| 15 | 23 June 1954 | Letzigrund, Zurich, Switzerland | Turkey | 3-1 | 7-2 | 1954 FIFA World Cup |
| 16 | 4-1 | |||||
| 17 | 5-1 | |||||
| 18 | 30 June 1954 | St. Jakob Stadium, Basel, Switzerland | Austria | 2-0 | 6-1 | 1954 FIFA World Cup |
| 19 | 4 July 1954 | Wankdorf Stadium, Bern, Switzerland | Hungary | - | 3-2 | 1954 FIFA World Cup |
| 20 | 25 September 1955 | JNA Stadium, Belgrade, Yugoslavia | Yugoslavia | 1-3 | 1-3 | Friendly |
| 21 | 28 December 1958 | Cairo, Egypt | Egypt | - | 1-2 | Friendly |
4. Honours
Maximilian Morlock's distinguished career was marked by numerous team victories and individual accolades, reflecting his significant impact on German football.
4.1. Club and international
Morlock's club career with 1. FC Nürnberg was highly successful, culminating in two German championships in 1948 and 1961. He also lifted the DFB-Pokal trophy in 1962. On the international stage, he achieved the pinnacle of football success as a member of the West Germany national team that won the 1954 FIFA World Cup.
4.2. Individual
In recognition of his outstanding performance and influence, Maximilian Morlock was honored with the prestigious German Footballer of the Year award in 1961, as voted by the Association of German Sports Journalists.
5. Legacy and tributes
Maximilian Morlock's lasting impact on football and his hometown of Nuremberg has been honored through several posthumous tributes. Less than a year after his death, in 1995, the square located in front of the Frankenstadion, the home stadium of 1. FC Nürnberg, was officially renamed Max-Morlock-Platz in his honor. The stadium's postal address also became Max-Morlock-Platz 1.
Further efforts were made to dedicate the stadium itself to his name. In 2006, a majority of fans voted in favor of renaming the Frankenstadion to "Max-Morlock-Stadion". However, the city of Nuremberg entered into a sponsorship agreement with a local bank, which resulted in the stadium being temporarily renamed EasyCredit-Stadion. Despite this, the strong desire to honor Morlock persisted, and his name was finally officially used as the stadium's name in July 2017, solidifying his enduring legacy within the club and the city.
6. Death
Maximilian Morlock passed away on September 10, 1994, at the age of 69. His death was attributed to cancer.