Cha Bum-kun (KOR)

Regarded as the best footballer the Korea Republic has ever produced, South Korean legend Cha Bum-kun remains an idol, having collected 127 international caps and scored 55 goals, in addition to an impressive record of 98 goals in 308 Bundesliga appearances.

For all his achievements in Germany — and he lifted the UEFA Cup with Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer 04 Leverkusen — the high point of Cha’s playing career was being part of the first Korea Republic team to appear at a World Cup finals in Mexico in 1986, where they lost to Argentina and Italy but earned a draw against Bulgaria.

Born on May 2, 1953, Cha spares no time and effort passing on the knowledge to the next generation, and one notable beneficiary is his elder son, Cha Du-ri, who has followed in his father’s footsteps by playing in Germany for Eintracht Frankfurt.

But his coaching experiences have provided mixed memories, with the 5-0 defeat by the Netherlands in the first round at France 98 a bitter one. He was sacked as national coach after that match.