Matthias Sindelar

Matthias Šindelář

["Footballer", "The Paper Man", "FK Austria Wien Star"]

Born Feb 10, 1903

Kozlov, Czech Republic

Passed Away Jan 23, 1939 Vienna, Austria

Lifespan 35 years old

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Notice / Correction

"Play football as an art, never as an order."

Archival Overview

Austrian football virtuoso known as 'Der Papierene' (The Paper Man), center-forward and captain of Hugo Meisl's 'Wunderteam' who defied the Nazi annexation of Austria.

Biographical Record

Matthias Sindelar was born in Moravia and grew up in working-class Vienna, dazzling crowds with FK Austria Wien. Nicknamed 'The Paper Man' for his slight build and uncanny ability to weave through defensive tackles without being touched, he orchestrated the flowing passing of the Austrian Wunderteam.

Following the 1938 Anschluss, Sindelar captained Austria in the 'Reconciliation Match' against Germany, scoring a goal and dancing provocatively in front of Nazi dignitaries. Refusing to play for the unified German national team, he was found dead in his apartment under suspicious circumstances ten months later.

Key Life Milestones

The Wunderteam

Rise of the Wunderteam

Captained Austria's Wunderteam on a 14-game unbeaten run sweeping Europe's top national squads.

Reconciliation Match

Defiance at the Praterstadion

Danced in celebration before Nazi VIPs after scoring against Germany, refusing to join the German squad.

Memorial Guestbook & Tributes

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Vienna Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof)
Vienna, Austria

                         GPS: 48.1500, 16.4400                    

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