Christoph Daum: The Fearless Soccer Coach Who Defied Adversity

Christoph Daum, renowned for his fearless approach to soccer coaching and his turbulent career, has died at the age of 70. Daum, who faced numerous challenges including overcoming a drug scandal, cancer, and leading multiple teams to victories, left an indelible mark on the sports world.

Christoph Daum, the fearless soccer coach who was denied the German national team job after admitting cocaine use, has died. He was 70 years old.

Daum passed away Saturday at his home in Cologne after a battle with cancer, his family told news agency dpa on Sunday.

"He was a pioneer of the modern game and was controversial and passionate about football until the end," German soccer federation president Bernd Neuendorf said. "I experienced this first hand in a personal meeting a few weeks before his death. He lived football with every fiber of his being."

Daum's struggle with cancer was symbolic of his life. As a young child growing up in Duisburg, he picked fights with bigger boys.

As a coach, he led Stuttgart to the Bundesliga title in 1992. Between 1996 and 2000 his Bayer Leverkusen team finished runner-up three times and third once. In 2000, Leverkusen lost the Bundesliga title by losing 2-0 at promoted Unterhaching. Daum said he cried his eyes out. Leverkusen just ended its "Neverkusen" moniker this year, building on Daum's foundation. He was a guest of honor at the celebrations.

"Christoph changed a lot of things here, making Bayer 04 Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund's biggest competitor,'' said Leverkusen great Rudi Völler.

Daum was set to become Germany coach in 2000, but long-time rival Uli Hoeneß of Bayern Munich suggested he had a drug problem. Media reported cocaine-fueled parties involving prostitutes. Daum denied drug use but hair samples showed traces of cocaine.

He was fired from Leverkusen and lost his chance to coach Germany. "It was a big mistake that I acknowledged and apologized for," Daum said later. "It's important to recognize mistakes, correct them, and then do better."

Daum enjoyed success abroad, winning titles with Austria Vienna, Fenerbahce, and Besiktas. He returned to Germany with Cologne and coached several teams including Eintracht Frankfurt, Club Brugge, Bursaspor, and Romania.

"Christoph Daum was a true child of the Bundesliga," said Marc Lenz, managing director of the German soccer league. Daum remained true to himself throughout his career, both in success and after setbacks and mistakes.

"You just have to keep getting up again," Daum said.

(With inputs from agencies.)