Georg Koch: German Goalkeeper Who Starred for Fortuna Dusseldorf and MSV

Georg Koch was a German professional goalkeeper best known for his long Bundesliga career with Fortuna Dusseldorf, MSV Duisburg and later Dinamo Zagreb. Born on February 3, 1972, in Bergisch Gladbach, Germany, he became one of the most reliable shot-stoppers in German football over more than a decade.

Koch helped Fortuna Dusseldorf return to the Bundesliga in 1994-95 and made his Bundesliga debut at Werder Bremen on August 11, 1995. At MSV Duisburg he played 67 of 68 possible league games over his first two seasons and helped the club win promotion to the Bundesliga in 2004-05. In 2007 he made his competitive debut for Dinamo Zagreb in a Champions League qualifier against Khazar Lankaran.

In August 2008 a firecracker thrown from the stands exploded near Koch during a derby against Austria Wien, causing hearing damage and balance problems that forced him to retire in March 2009. He briefly came out of retirement in September 2009 to play for SC Herford before leaving the game for good. Koch died of pancreatic cancer on March 4, 2026, at age 54, remembered as a dependable keeper and a respected figure in German football.

Achievements: Helped Fortuna Dusseldorf return to the Bundesliga (1994-95), made his Bundesliga debut at Werder Bremen (1995), helped MSV Duisburg win promotion to the Bundesliga (2004-05), made his Dinamo Zagreb debut in a Champions League qualifier (2007).

Birth: February 3, 1972 - Bergisch Gladbach, Germany.

Profession: Professional footballer (goalkeeper).

Interesting Facts: Koch spent his first months at Fortuna Dusseldorf as an understudy without making an appearance. His career was cut short by a firecracker thrown from the stands during a 2008 match.