A South Korean football legend who played for European clubs and later managed the national team, known for his impressive skills on the pitch and successful coaching career.
Regarded as one of the greatest Asian footballers of all time, Cha Bumkun is a South Korean football legend known for his explosive pace, powerful shots, and thunderous ball striking ability, earning him the nickname "Tscha Bum" or "Cha Boom" in Germany.
Born on May 22, 1953, in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi, Cha's football journey began at Yeongdo Middle School, only to be transferred to Kyungshin Middle School after the school's football club was dissolved. He continued to hone his skills, eventually becoming a notable player for Kyungshin High School and earning a spot on the South Korean under-20 team in 1970.
In 1972, Cha entered Korea University, where he won the Korean National Championship in 1974. After graduating, he began his senior career with Korea Trust Bank FC in 1976. His impressive skills quickly earned him a spot on the South Korean national team, becoming the youngest player to be capped at just 18 years old.
Cha's international career was marked by numerous milestones, including becoming the youngest player to reach 100 international caps at just 24 years and 35 days. He also holds the record for the most goals scored for the South Korean national team, with an impressive 58 goals.
In 1979, Cha made the move to West Germany, joining Eintracht Frankfurt and later Bayer Leverkusen. During his time in the Bundesliga, he scored a total of 121 goals, earning him a reputation as a prolific goal-scorer. He also won the UEFA Cup with both teams, cementing his status as a football legend.
After retiring from professional football, Cha opened a football academy in South Korea, dedicated to developing youth players. He also managed the South Korean national team during the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Today, Cha remains an iconic figure in Asian football, inspiring generations of players with his impressive skills and achievements.
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