Biography
Who is Cha Bum-kun?
Early life and education
Born in Hwaseong, South Korea, Cha Bum-kun initially attended Yeongdo Middle School. He played field hockey there for over a year before the school's football club dissolved. After transferring to Kyungshin Middle School, he focused entirely on football. Despite facing difficulties with older students at Kyungshin High School, he persisted with coaching support. By 1970, he joined the South Korean under-20 team, launching his path toward professional sports.
He later attended Korea University in 1972, winning the Korean National Championship two years later. His early senior career began with Korea Trust Bank FC, followed by a stint with Air Force FC to complete mandatory military service. The Air Force persuaded him to enlist, promising an earlier discharge than the Navy.
Bundesliga success
Cha arrived in Germany in 1979 to join Eintracht Frankfurt after completing his military requirements. He made an immediate impact, scoring in three straight games. During his time at the club, he helped Eintracht win the 1979 to 1980 UEFA Cup. German football magazine kicker classified him as world-class during his first season. Despite a spinal injury in 1980, he returned to help his team win the DFB-Pokal title.
He transferred to Bayer Leverkusen in 1983 due to Frankfurt's financial issues. At Leverkusen, he reached his peak performance in the 1985 to 1986 season, scoring seventeen goals. In 1988, he scored a crucial equalizer against Espanyol, helping Leverkusen capture the UEFA Cup. He retired in 1989 after playing over 300 Bundesliga matches without receiving a single yellow card.
International and managing
Cha made his debut for the South Korea national football team in 1972 at the age of eighteen. He became the youngest player to reach 100 international caps. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he competed in various tournaments like the Korea Cup and Merdeka Tournament, often scoring hat-tricks. He participated in the 1986 FIFA World Cup, which was his final international tournament.
Following his retirement as a player, he moved into coaching. He managed the South Korean national team during the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Later, he coached Suwon Samsung Bluewings, leading them to a K League championship in 2004. He has also worked as a television commentator for MBC.
Family and achievements
Cha is a Christian and has three children named Cha Du-ri, Cha Se-jji, and Cha Ha-na. His son, Cha Du-ri, followed his career path by playing for the South Korean national team and various Bundesliga clubs, including Eintracht Frankfurt.
In 2019, the German government honored Cha with the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. This recognition highlighted his long-standing connection to German football. He continues to influence the sport through his youth academy, which focuses on developing new talent in South Korea.
Birthday and age
Cha Bum-kun was born on May 22, 1953, which makes Cha 73 years old today. That birthday falls under the Gemini sign. Cha shares the date with 45 other famous people.
Explore more
