Toni Polster joined the History Of Soccer team for an exclusive interview to look back at his glittering career, and he still looked as confident and composed as he was in front of goal during his senior career playing days.
In his long career as a prolific goalscorer, Toni, known to fans as ‘Twin Pack Toni‘ because of his habit of scoring twice in games, endeared himself to fans in Austria, Italy, Spain, and Germany.
Toni Polster Early Years
The Austria Vienna-born attacker made his football debut when he was nine years old with his hometown team, where he rose through the ranks until he became their star striker, firing them to three straight titles between 1984 and 1986. Toni Polster made his debut for Austria Wien senior team at 18 years old. Over the next few years, he won win three league titles and a domestic cup.
After moving to Italy with Torino, the Austrian national team center forward was on his way to Sevilla in Spain, where he became one of the most feared hitmen in the Primera Division after just one season. In 102 league matches for the Andalusian outfit, the Austrian scored 55 goals, a return he could only better in his early days in Austria, where he scored an impressive 119 goals in 147 appearances.
Before joining Cologne (now known as FC Köln) in Germany, the Austria international played for Logrones and Rayo Vallecano, scoring 79 goals in 150 league games. After five seasons in the Bundesliga with Cologne, Toni Polster played two more seasons for Borussia Monchengladbach before ending his career with Austria Salzburg in 2000.
Unforgettable Moments
“My fans were absolutely fantastic in both Spain and Germany. Unfortunately, I wasn’t as good as my teammates, but I always felt confident and appreciated their support,” Toni Polster told our editorial team.
“I think I did a lot of things correctly because, without my modesty and respect, I wouldn’t still be so popular with the fans today,” said the former Austria international, who scored 44 goals in 95 senior international appearances between 1982 and 2000 and participated and captained in two World Cups.
In Italia ’90, we were incapable of getting past the group stage due to our lack of quality, but in France ’98, it was different. A good team drew twice and lost against Italy in the first round, recalls the powerful front-runner. In addition to being fun, World Cups are also challenging.
By the time the tournament began, players had already played 50 matches, and there was only a short break in between. Also, players don’t see their families for a long time, so it’s difficult to prepare mentally.”
After Playing Soccer
Following his playing career, Toni Polster worked behind the scenes at several professional clubs, including Borussia Monchengladbach in marketing. In my three and a half years at Borussia Monchengladbach, I gained valuable experience and learned a lot. Now I’ve completed my coaching certifications, so I have the basis for a successful managerial career.”
The man who was voted Austrian Footballer of the Year in 1986 and 1997 took time to pursue other interests since his most recent role as General Manager at FK Austria Wien. Toni Walk, his first musical venture, was released in 2006, and twelve master titles followed two years later. As of 19 June 2009, the all time leading goalscorer Anton ‘Toni’ Polster had released his third album entitled “Die Dritte.”
People are amazed when they come to my concerts,” said the footballer turned recording artist. “I take music very seriously, and I think those who listen understand that. At first, people laughed at the idea, but now they are amazed,” he said.
“I brought out a line of shirts, with the proceeds from which we helped coaches at smaller clubs obtain their training licenses. We wanted to help Austrian soccer at the grass-roots level.” Toni Polster has also been involved in several other social projects.
Toni Polster is now in charge of the local side Weiner Viktoria equivalent of Division Three. “I’ll have to wait and see, but hopefully, one day, I’ll get the chance to manage in the Bundesliga where I can prove myself as a successful football manager. One day I’d like to lead out the Austria national team at a World Cup.” This is his eighth season in charge of Weiner Viktoria since joining the team back in 2015.
The name ‘Toni Polster’ will always be remembered for the 1990 and 1998 World Cups and as the all time leading goalscorer for the Austrian National team.
Toni Polster Facts And Figures
Full Name: Anton Polster
Birthdate: 10/03/1964
Birthplace: Vienna, Austria
Playing Career:
- Austria Wien 1982–1987
- Torino 1987–1988
- Sevilla 1988–1991
- Logroñés 1991–1992
- Rayo Vallecano 1992–1993
- FC Köln (Cologne)1993–1998
- Borussia Mönchengladbach 1998–1999
- Austria Salzburg 1999–2000
Total Appearances: 544 matches, 307 goals
Team Honors:
Austria Wien
- 1984, 1985, and 1986: Austrian Bundesliga League Champions
- 1986: Austrian Cup Winners
National Team Career:
- Austria National Team (95 appearances, 44 goals)
Managerial Career
- LASK Linz (reserve-team) 2010
- Wiener Viktoria 2011–2013
- Admira Wacker 2013
- Wiener Viktoria 2014–
Individual Honors:
- 1985, 1986 and 1987 Austrian Football Bundesliga Top scorer
- 1986 and 1997 Austrian Footballer of the Year
- 1987 European Golden Boot
