Eike Immel (born 27 November 1960) is a retired German football goalkeeper best known for a long club career in the Bundesliga and a run with the West Germany national side. He established himself as a reliable, reflexive shot‑stopper in the 1980s and early 1990s, combining quick reactions with steady positioning. Immel remains a recognizable figure in German football history for his consistency at domestic level and his appearances for the national team.
Club career
Immel began his professional career as a teenager and rose to prominence in the Bundesliga. Over nearly two decades he played regularly for major clubs, most notably:
- Borussia Dortmund (late 1970s–mid 1980s)
- VfB Stuttgart (mid 1980s–mid 1990s), where he enjoyed his most successful spell
- Manchester City (mid 1990s), finishing his playing career abroad
At club level he was valued for his consistency and leadership from the back. With VfB Stuttgart he was part of a side that won the Bundesliga title, and his performances there helped secure his place in the national squad.
International career
Immel represented West Germany during the 1980s, earning international selection on multiple occasions and collecting nearly twenty caps at senior level. He appeared in tournament squads and served as an experienced option among the national team goalkeepers during a competitive era for German keepers.
Style, legacy and later life
Known for quick reflexes, safe handling and calm under pressure, Immel was a model of reliability rather than flamboyance. After retiring from playing he remained involved in football in various roles, including work with younger goalkeepers and media appearances. For a concise career summary see his career profile or the database entries at statistics page and archive resource.
- Primary position: Goalkeeper
- Notable achievement: Bundesliga winner with VfB Stuttgart
- International: Represented West Germany in the 1980s