A Football Legend Passes: Remembering Wilhelm “Willi” Huberts
The world of Austrian football mourns the loss of Wilhelm “Willi” Huberts, a true pioneer who passed away at the age of 85. Huberts, a former GAK player, etched his name in history as the first Austrian to grace the German Bundesliga in the 1960s.
Huberts’s journey began in West Styria, where he honed his skills at ASK Voitsberg. His extraordinary talent caught the eye of GAK, who brought him to Graz in 1955. The midfielder quickly captivated the city’s football fans with his remarkable technical prowess and knack for finding the back of the net.
His performances on the international stage were equally impressive. In 1959, Huberts was part of the GAK squad that traveled to New York for a series of friendlies, including two encounters against the legendary Real Madrid. His displays in the Big Apple earned him a contract with the New York Hungarians the following year.
Huberts also represented Austria on four occasions, scoring his first international goal in a 2-0 victory against Belgium in 1959. However, his move to New York effectively ended his international career, as travel limitations at the time made it unachievable for him to be selected for the national team.
In 1962, Huberts returned to Europe, joining AS Roma for a season before making a historic move to Eintracht Frankfurt in 1963. As a founding member of the newly established Bundesliga, Eintracht was one of only a handful of clubs to field foreign players in its inaugural season, with Huberts being the sole Austrian representative.
Huberts became a key figure for Frankfurt throughout the 1960s, amassing 247 appearances and scoring 80 goals. Despite his continued success in Germany,he was unable to represent Austria again due to regulations that restricted legionnaires’ participation in national team matches.
After a brief stint with Austria Vienna in the 1970/71 season, Huberts returned to his beloved GAK, where he concluded his playing career in 1975. His contributions to the club were recognized with his inclusion in the GAK centenary team.Following his retirement, Huberts transitioned into coaching, guiding teams like Kapfenberg, Donawitz, and LASK. His legacy as a trailblazer and a gifted footballer will forever be remembered in Austrian football history.
Remembering Willi huberts: A Pioneer’s Legacy with Andreas Herzog
Today, we commemorate the life of Wilhelm “Willi” Huberts, the first Austrian too grace the hallowed turf of the German Bundesliga. To discuss Huberts’ remarkable career and impact on Austrian football,we’re joined by Andreas Herzog,former Austrian international and captain who himself played professionally in Germany.Andreas, welcome.
Andreas Herzog: It’s an honor to be here. Willi Huberts was a true pioneer, someone who paved the way for so many Austrian footballers like myself.
Moderator: Absolutely. Huberts’ journey from ASK Voitsberg to GAK and then to the international stage is truly inspiring. His performances for GAK caught the eye of many, leading him to New York and eventually to Eintracht Frankfurt in the bundesliga’s inaugural season. What are your thoughts on Huberts’ achievement in becoming the league’s first Austrian representative?
Andreas Herzog: It wasn’t an easy feat back then. Imagine the challenges he faced – a different language, culture, and a brand new league attracting the best talent. He truly showed courage and tenacity to break through those barriers.
Moderator: We see this pioneering spirit reflected in his decision to join the New York Hungarians in the early 1960s.Crossing the Atlantic to play football was quite unconventional then. What do you think motivated Huberts to make that leap?
Andreas Herzog: It shows his adventurous spirit and his desire to experience football at the highest level. Maybe there where limited opportunities back home, and playing in the US offered him a chance to showcase his talent and gain experience.
Moderator: Sadly, this move effectively ended his international career due to travel restrictions at the time. Do you think those regulations were unfair, considering Huberts’ dedication to Austrian football?
Andreas Herzog: it’s undeniably a setback. You have a player representing his country with distinction, then see his international career halted due to unfortunate circumstances. It’s a reminder of how much the game has evolved in terms of player mobility and international representation.
Moderator: Right, nowadays it’s quite common for players to move between continents and still maintain their national team commitments.
Andreas Herzog: Absolutely. It highlights how football has become more globalized, interconnected, and ultimately, more accessible for players.
Moderator: Huberts returned to Europe and had a very successful stint with Eintracht Frankfurt, amassing an impressive number of appearances and goals.
But he still couldn’t represent Austria again due to regulations restricting legionnaires’ participation. Do you think these regulations robbed Austrian football of some valuable contributions from Huberts in his prime?
Andreas Herzog: It’s a definite possibility. Picture a national team with a player of Huberts’ caliber, operating at a high level in one of the best leagues in the world. His insights and experience would have been invaluable for the younger generation.
Moderator: Definitely.Huberts ultimately finished his career playing for GAK, the club where it all began. He became a beloved figure in Graz, even earning a place in the club’s centenary team. what do you think his legacy means for young Austrian footballers today?
Andreas Herzog: willi Huberts is more than just a name in Austrian football history; he’s a symbol of ambition, courage, and breaking down barriers.
His story reminds young players that it’s okay to dream big and pioneer new paths,regardless of the challenges they face.
Moderator: Beautifully saeid. Thank you for sharing your insights, Andreas. This was an honor.
We want to here from you! Do you think Willi Huberts gets enough recognition for his pioneering contributions to austrian Football? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
