Osbcure footballers Ep1: Wynton Rufer. The Kiwi who became a European goal scoring legend

in football •  8 years ago 

Born 29 December 1962 in Wellington to a Swiss father, Wynton spent more than a decade of his professional career in Switzerland and Germany, winning 4 titles along the way with Werder Bremen. Despite not making any appearances, he was also on the books with Norwich city in 1982.

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In 1994, the then 31-year-old former Norwich City reserve would join Romário and Jari Litmanen in the history books. Wynton Rufer scored 8 clinical goals to top the Champions League goalscoring charts alongside Ronald Koeman, but despite being the greatest footballer New Zealand had ever produced, hardly anybody knew his name.

Over the span of his career he made 539 appearances and scored 224 in total.

Have a look at this video from UEFA showcasing his talents and just how much of an achievement it was to finish alongside names such as those mentioned.

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Thanks for letting me know about Wynton Rufer, a player I had never heard of before.

The most famous New Zealand player I recall is Steve Wooddin, who scored in the 1982 world cup.

No worries.

He also holds the title of FIFA Oceania Player of the Century!

  ·  8 years ago (edited)

I just checked out Rufer's goal record, seems he had an excellent goals to game ratio.

My uncle played with Rufer's team mate Steve Wooddin before Steve left Birkenhead for New Zealand, Woodin had to retire shortly after the world cup in Spain in 82 with an injury, he had offers to play in Europe at the time.

I have a couple of new football articles on my blog if you're interested, would appreciate your feedback if you get time. Cheers!