Second Acts and comebacks, Part Nine

1- Jurgen Klinnsman and Tottenham 1994/95

German striker Jurgen Klinnsman’s career appeared to be nearing its end when he joined Monaco from Internazionale Milano in 1992.

However, a successful 1994 World Cup paved the way for a transfer to Tottenham in the summer of 1994.

Klinnsman played some of the best soccer of his career in that season for Tottenham. By the end of that year he finished second in the Ballon d’Or balloting.

Photo From: World Soccer, May 1995

(Jurgen Klinnsman at Tottemham, 1994/95)

2- Gianluca Vialli and Juventus, 1994/96

Italian striker Gianluca Vialli had been beset with injury problems for two years. However, during the 1994/95 season, he regained his old form and led Juventus to the Scudetto and was even considered for a National Team comeback (that he himself refused). The following season (1995/96) he captained Juventus to Champions League triumph.

Photo From: World Soccer, May 1995

(Gianluca Vialli at Juventus, 1994/95)

3- Eric Gerets and PSV Eindhoven / Belgium, 1985/86

The disgraced Belgium Captain Eric Gerets had been suspended for his part in the Standard-Waterschei scandal that came to light in early 1984.

In 1985/86 season he joined PSV Eindhoven and slowly rebuilt his career.

He won many titles with the Dutch side and made a comeback for the National Team in time for the 1986 World Cup.

Photo From: World Soccer, June 1991

(Eric Gerets, June 12, 1990, World Cup, Belgium 2-South Korea 0)

4- Nwankwo Kanu and Internazionale Milano 1996/98
Nigeria striker Nwankwo Kanu joined Internazionale Milano in 1996 after helping his Nation win the Olympic title.

However, after joining his new team, medical exams revealed a problem with his heart. This necessitated surgery and rest and he missed an entire season.

The following season, Kanu made his comeback for Inter and after that joined Arsenal.

Photo From: World Soccer, November 1997

(Nigeria and Internazionale Milano’s Nwankwo Kanu)

5- Michael Rummenigge and Borussia Dortmund, 1991/93

The career of the younger brother of Karl-Heinz seemed in decline when he was transferred to Dortmund in the summer of 1988.

However, he played a significant role in the early years of the Ottmar Hitzfeld era in Dortmund. Dortmund narrowly lost the title in 1992 and reached the UEFA Cup final in 1993. Afterwards the veteran joined the Japanese League to wind down his career.

Photo From: Panini, Bundesliga, 1992/93

(Michael Rummnenigge at Borussia Dortmund)