Contemporary figure named Christoph Daum in focus. - Died at 70: Ex-Football Training Specialist
A renowned figure in German football has departed. As mentioned by sports magazine "Kicker" along with others, ex-Bundesliga coach Christoph Daum passed away at 70 years old. Surrounded by his family, he passed away peacefully after a lengthy battle with cancer, as reported by the press. In 2022, Daum revealed his own cancer diagnosis during a routine check-up, posting a photo on Instagram alongside his doctor, Prof. Dr. Jürgen Wolf. He shared that he had undergone 22 sessions of chemotherapy since his diagnosis.
Close to leading Germany's national team
Regrettably, Daum failed to carve out a playing career. Towards the end of his active days, spent with the amateurs of 1. FC Köln, he obtained his coaching license. Advancing through the ranks, he became coach of 1. FC Köln before moving on to Stuttgart and Turkey, eventually joining Bundesliga champions Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
On the brink of becoming head coach of the German national team in the summer of 2001, an unfortunate turn of events transpired. An agreement between Bayer Leverkusen and the DFB faltered when a cocaine scandal involving Daum surfaced. In defense, Daum submitted a hair sample following drug accusations from Bayern honorary president Uli Hoeneß (72) – the test yielded a positive result for drug use. Consequently, Daum was ousted from Leverkusen and the DFB cut ties with him.
Nonetheless, the scandal did not deter Daum's coaching career. He went on to capture championship titles with Beşiktaş Istanbul and FK Austria Wien in Turkey and Austria, respectively. Between 2006 and 2009, he also managed a German team once more – 1. FC Köln. Concluding his career in 2017, Daum served as the national coach of Romania.
Despite the cocaine scandal that derailed his chance to lead Germany's national team in 2001, the renowned coach Daum found success elsewhere. He managed Beşiktaş Istanbul in Turkey and FK Austria Wien in Austria, both resulting in championship titles.
Prof. Dr. Jürgen Wolf, Daum's doctor during his cancer battle, was a crucial figure in supporting him throughout his ordeal.
