Falko Götz: Through the Iron Curtain
Falko Götz had two football careers, one in East Germany and one in the West. His life changed forever in a few hours when he escaped the German Democratic Republic. His story is about migration.
Bert Trautmann: The German who Stayed
Captured at the end of the Second World War and brought to an internment camp in England, this story tells a post-war life.
Nadia Nadim: The Danish Girl from Herat
Nadia Nadim’s life has been shaped by migration: escaping from war-torn Afghanistan to Denmark as a young girl. Her story is one migration.
Puskás: a political refugee in Europe
On this day, the Puskás stadium would have hosted a Euro2020 match. Being postponed for one year, we have a chance to go into the history of the European Nations Cup, which is full of remarkable stories and people. This is the story of a star player and a European political refugee.
Eddy Hamel: New York, Amsterdam, Auschwitz
Eddy Hamel was the first Jewish player, and the first American, to play for Ajax Amsterdam, but his life ended in tragedy at Auschwitz. His story is one the Holocaust and migration.
Gottfried Fuchs: The One who got away
Gottfried Fuchs was a powerful centre-forward and a goalscoring machine. his career was interrupted by war, twice. He emigrated to Canada never to return. His story is one migration.
The coach who bridged nations
On this day Austria would have played against The Netherlands at Euro2020 tournament, which gives us a chance to go into the history of the European Nations Cup. A history full of remarkable stories and people. This is the story of Ernst Happel. It is a story about football innovation and bridging countries.
Football Lives: Making history, not only on the field
Football Lives is a dedicated collection for educators created by the Football Makes History team. Starting from 20 stories we will publish a new one almost every day, and we will reach over 100 life stories to reflect the history of Europe with a focus on migration, diversity, politics and identity.
Fatmire Alushi: From Refugee to World Champion
Fatmire Bajramaj Alushi was a refugee from war, she achieved star status in German women’s football and won the World Cup. Her story is one diversity, equality and inclusion.
Mario Balotelli: Magnet for Controversy
Mario Balotelli was bound to be a major star, but he faced a turbulent career as a young player. Racist abuse and many controversies are etched in his career. His story is one of racism, diversity and a reminder that Football has some way to go still.
