Kickers Offenbach mourn the loss of legend Alfred Schultheis: A life for the OFC

Kickers Offenbach mourn the loss of legend Alfred Schultheis: A life for the OFC

A shock for the football world! Alfred “Fred” Schultheis, a true hero of the Offenbacher Kickers, has died after a long battle against a serious illness. The club's loyal supporter for 69 years leaves a gap that will be difficult to fill. On Saturday the team will wear mourning ribbons to pay their last respects to this extraordinary player and person.

Schultheis, who played in the legendary German championship final against Eintracht Frankfurt in 1959, was not only an outstanding defender, but also a symbol of club loyalty at a time when such values ​​have become rare. “The Kickers were the best team in (West) Germany in the early 1950s,” he once remembered proudly. His path to the OFC was characterized by determination; despite tempting offers from big clubs such as FC Kaiserslautern and Eintracht Frankfurt, he remained loyal to his homeland.

A life for the OFC

Alfred Schultheis grew up in Nieder-Roden and was a passionate footballer as a teenager. His commitment to the Kickers was tireless: After his active career, he not only worked as a youth coach, but also served on the club's honorary council for over 40 years. “It hit me terribly,” said Barbara Klein, the widow of the honorary president, about the loss of her friend. Schultheis died on November 5, a date that also marks the death of Waldemar Klein in 2010.

His legacy will be honored on Saturday at the home game against Göppinger SV. A minute's silence will give fans and players the opportunity to say goodbye to a man who carried the spirit of the Bieberer Mountain within him. Schultheis, who always identified with the Kickers even after his playing days, will live on in the hearts of the fans.