On 26 May 1999, at the Camp Nou, Bayern Munich were winning the Champions League final until injury time. Manchester United scored twice. As United celebrated, a young Ghanaian defender pounded the grass with his fists, in tears.
That image of Samuel Kuffour made him a hero to Bayern fans. Two years later, he lifted the trophy.
Early promise
Samuel Osei Kuffour grew up in Ghana and showed talent early. As a sixteen-year-old, he was part of the Ghana team that won bronze at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Bayern
Kuffour joined Bayern Munich as a teenager and rose through the youth teams to the first squad. At 18, he became the youngest defender to score in the Champions League, against Spartak Moscow in November 1994.
He spent 11 seasons at Bayern, becoming a strong, quick centre-back.
1999
In the 1999 final, Bayern led Manchester United for most of the game. Two late goals from Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjær turned it around. Kuffour’s reaction, beating the ground in frustration, showed how much it meant to him and endeared him to Bayern’s supporters.
2001
In 2001, Bayern returned to the final and beat Valencia on penalties to win the Champions League. Kuffour was an important part of the team. Later that year, he scored the winning goal in the Intercontinental Cup against Boca Juniors and was named man of the match.
African recognition
Kuffour finished second in voting for African Footballer of the Year in 1999 and again in 2001.
Titles
With Bayern, Kuffour won several Bundesliga titles and German Cups, becoming one of the most decorated African players in German football history.
A popular figure
His energy, humour and commitment made him a favourite with Bayern supporters, who still greet him warmly when he visits Munich.
Ghana
Kuffour played for the Black Stars for many years and was part of the team that reached Ghana’s first World Cup in 2006.
After Bayern
He later played in Italy with Roma and ended his career with spells at other clubs, including Asante Kotoko in Ghana.
Tears and a trophy
Fans often remember players for their goals. Bayern supporters remember Kuffour most for his tears in 1999, because they knew exactly how he felt. The trophy in 2001 felt like his reward.
