The mechanic Josef Hornauer began his football career at FC Stern Nürnberg, before moving to TSV 1860 München in 1926. At 20-years-old the right-half was called to the national team in 1928. After a few friendly matches against English professional teams he received his nomination for the Olympic team. In Amsterdam, he competed in both games, losing in the quarter-finals against Uruguay 4-1. In 1929 Hornauer transferred to 1. FC Nürnberg. In 1931 he played his last international against Austria in Wien (Vienna). He earned five international caps and scored two goals.