Three generations of German football fans have been captivated by the voice and commentary of the country’s most famous football commentator: Dieter Kürten, who turned 90 today.

Kürten recalls his first day on Sportshow, where he commentated on football: “To be honest, I don’t like watching the footage of that program. I spoke very poorly.”

But Dieter Kürten quickly learned the ins and outs of football commentary and rapidly became a beloved commentator. His nickname in Germany, ‘Mr. Sportshow,’ reflects how Dieter became a heavyweight in German football. Sportshow is the oldest and most prestigious football program in Germany, with a significant influence on the country’s football.

Dieter Kürten hosted this famous ZDF program 375 times and today, at 90, says he owes everything to German football fans.

Jörg Polos, ZDF’s sports editor, said about him: “Dieter Kürten not only set the standards for football commentary in Germany but, in my opinion, worldwide. Sportshow became a brand thanks to Kürten’s popularity.”

Dieter himself chose not to speak to the media on his 90th birthday. He prefers German football to remember him for his 33 years on television rather than his appearance at 90. Dieter Kürten last hosted his program on September 30, 2000, before retiring. Three generations of German football have memories of this famous commentator, and his name will never fade from the country’s football history.