Hans Jakob

Hans Jakob was born in Munich but, when he was only two years, his parents moved to Regensburg. He started playing football with Regensburger Turnerschaft. Between 1926 and 1942 he kept the goal more than 1,000 times for SSV Jahn Regensburg. During World War II he lived in Upper Bavaria for his career as an electrical engineer, and joined FC Bayern Munich between 1942-45. He was also a capable track and field athlete; several times he was Bavarian Champion over the high hurdles and took part in high and long jump competitions at district sport meetings.

In 1930 he got a first chance on the international level in the draw against Norway. It took some time, however, until he succeeded Willibald Kreß as Germany’s regular keeper. In those days, national coach Otto Nerz constantly changed the formation, so that Jakob was only fielded in every third game of the national team on average. Between 1930-39 he appeared in 38 international matches, keeping 11 clean-sheets, and Germany was only defeated eight times with him in goal. In the 1934 World Cup he only played the third place match and, in 1938, he was part of the squad but did not play.

He kept the goal of the famous “Breslau 11” and represented Western Europe in 1937. After the war he remained active for FC Lichtenfels as player-coach until 1949. In Regensburg he ran a sweepstake receiving office and opened a travel agency. He was deputy chairman of SSV Jahn Regensburg’s football division and coached the amateur team in 1959-60. He was also appointed honorary member of FC Bayern Munich. In 1949 he published his autobiography: Durch ganz Europa – von Tor zu Tor (Throughout Europe - from Goal to Goal).