Background and career
Cha Bum-kun (Korean: 차범근; Korean pronunciation: [tɕʰɐbʌmɡɯn] or [tɕʰɐ] [pʌmɡɯn]; born 22 May 1953), popularly known in Germany as Tscha Bum or Cha Boom, is a South Korean former professional football manager and player. Known for his explosive pace and finishing, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest Asian footballers of all time.
Born in Hwaseong, South Korea, Cha left for West Germany following the completion of his mandatory military service and first joined SV Darmstadt 98, before signing with Eintracht Frankfurt in 1979. During his tenure at the club, Cha scored 46 goals over 122 appearances, and won the 1979–80 UEFA Cup, his first European title. After leaving Frankfurt in 1983, Cha joined fellow Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen, winning the UEFA Cup yet again in 1988. Cha retired in 1989, having scored 98 goals in 308 appearances during his time at Germany.
Cha made his international debut with South Korea national football team in 1972 at the age of 18. He is the youngest player to ever reach 100 international caps, doing so at 24 years and 35 days, and was South Korea's all-time top goalscorer with 58 goals until Son Heung-min surpassed him in 2026.
After his retirement, he opened a football academy to develop youth players in South Korea, and managed the national team for the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
