Back
1.05.2023Bayer 04

Birthday boy of the month II: Bum-kun Cha turns 70

Bum-kun Cha, with the nickname of ‘Bummi’, was born in the South Korean city of Hwaseong on 22 May 1953. The pacey striker, who could shoot with either foot and was a powerful header of the ball, became the first non-European player and the youngest to date to make 100 international appearances at the age of 24.

Display videos

Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.

His first spell in Germany did not last long. The then completely unknown striker played one game for Darmstadt 98 in December 1978 before returning to South Korea to do his national service. After ending military service, Bummi returned to the Bundesliga. He signed for Eintracht Frankfurt where he won the UEFA Cup with the club in 1980 and the DFB Cup a year later.

19861024_Bum_Kun_Cha_1.jpg

Bayer 04 stepped in when the Hessen club was forced to sell players due to financial problems. Leverkusen's coach Dettmar Cramer convinced the exceptional striker to move under the Bayer Cross and the Werkself thereby had their first world-class player in 1983. In the next six years, Bum-kun Cha made 185 Bundesliga appearances for Bayer 04 and he scored 52 goals. The South Korean formed a dangerous strike partnership with Herbert Waas, Leverkusen's first international player, and he also scored seven goals in 15 DFB Cup ties. Bummi netted his most important goal for the Black and Reds on the European stage. On 18 May 1988, playing in the second leg of the UEFA Cup final against Espanyol, he rose into the Leverkusen night air to head home a free kick from Andrzej Buncol to make it 3-0 – extra time, penalties. The first title for Bayer 04.

THE 'south korean Beckenbauer'

In his final season at Leverkusen, in 1988/89, Bum-kun Cha, gained his coaching badge and in the 1990s he coached several South Korean teams and he was also the national coach for a year in 1997. The ‘South Korean Beckenbauer’, as Cha was known due to his popularity at home, was voted Asian player of the 20th century by the Asian Football Association. He was the first South Korean player to move to Europe and he paved the way for many of his fellow countrymen. Bum-kun Cha is still a legend in Asia today. Current players like Heung-min Son show him great respect. Bum-kun Cha was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2019.

The very religious father of three today lives with his wife Un-mi in Seoul. His son Du-ri also played in the Bundesliga including for Eintracht Frankfurt, SC Freiburg and Mainz 05.

Dear Bummi, many happy returns on your 70th birthday. Have a good one and stay healthy.

Related News

Dieter Bast wird 75 | Geburtstagskind des Monats August I
Bayer 04 - 01.08.2026

Birthday Boy of the Month 1: Dieter Bast turns 75

Dieter Bast was born in Oberhausen on 28 August 1951. He began playing football in the youth team at DJK Arminia Klosterhardt, a local club in Oberhausen. Whilst training as a toolmaker, he moved to neighbouring club Sterkrade 06/07 to play for their U19s, where he caught the eye of Bundesliga sides Rot-Weiss Essen and Borussia Mönchengladbach. Bast opted for Rot-Weiss and played in the Bundesliga from 1970 onwards. In his very first year, he made 22 appearances as a right winger, scoring three goals. Nevertheless, Essen were unable to avoid relegation.

Show more
Roque Júnior wird 50 | Geburtstagskind des Monats August II
Bayer 04 - 01.08.2026

Birthday Boy of the Month 2: Roque Júnior turns 50

José Vítor Roque Júnior was born on 31 August 1976 in Santa Rita do Sapucaí, in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. As a youth, he played for São José EC, a club in the east of the state of São Paulo. His professional career began in 1995 with Palmeiras São Paulo. There, Roque Júnior quickly established himself as a key player in the team, making more than 200 appearances and enjoying significant success. With the club, he won the Copa do Brasil in 1998 and the Copa Libertadores in 1999, the South American equivalent of the European Champions League.

Show more
Von Pohjanpalo bis Ökland | Tore des Monats August
Bayer 04 - 01.08.2026

Goals of the month: From Pohjanpalo to Ökland

In this video you can see impressive and important goals in the history of Bayer 04 from the month of August. It's not always about the beauty of the goals, but also a reminder of special games and players.

Show more
crop_19510819_Fredy_Mutz_1.jpg
Bayer 04 - 01.08.2026

From the archives: 75 years ago – The Bayer Lion triumphs over the Essen tomcat

The Werkself play their first top-flight match in Bayer 04’s history away at Sportfreunde Katernberg. 7,000 spectators turn up at the Am Lindenbruch stadium in that district of Essen. The Katernbergers have transformed the once ‘barren’ pitch into a real gem. On this Sunday afternoon, 19 August 1951, the lush turf provides the perfect conditions for a good game of football.

Show more
Vor 25 Jahren – Die Vize-Triple-Saison 2001/02 | Geschichte des Monats August II
Bayer 04 - 01.08.2026

History: 25 years ago – The 2001/02 treble runners-up season (August)

Following a thoroughly successful start with a 2–1 home win against VfL Wolfsburg, the Werkself are organising a team event. On Wednesdays, they head to the Nürburgring together and do a few laps at speed. Manager Klaus Toppmöller welcomes this initiative, as it promotes team spirit and integration. During weekly training sessions, the team works extensively on various defensive tactics, as the manager was dissatisfied with his players’ pressing in the final minutes of the match against the Wolves.

Show more