The long-time striker of SG Dynamo Dresden and national player of the GDR, Hans-Jürgen Kreische, has died at the age of 78.
Hans-Jürgen Kreische is dead. As SG Dynamo Dresden announced on Wednesday (April 1, 2026), the former GDR national player and long-time Black and Yellow striker died on the night of April 1st at the age of 78. Kreische became GDR champions five times and cup winners once with Dynamo Dresden in the 1970s. The attacker also played 50 times in the GDR national team jersey. In the GDR’s only participation in the World Cup, he played three of the six games. In 1973 he was named Footballer of the Year.
Hans-Jürgen Kreische in the jersey of the GDR national team in 1974
Ralf Minge: “Was one of the greatest athletes of his time”
Kreische’s companion and honorary captain Ralf Minge paid tribute to the man Kreische: “Hansi was without a doubt one of the greatest athletes of his time. As young guys, we looked up to him like no one else. When he stepped onto the pitch, magical moments were not far away. Even after his playing days, he put himself at the service of the sports community, as a head coach, scout and supporter of the youngsters.”
Kreise scores in his first appearance for Dynamo
Kreische, born on July 19, 1947, joined SG Dynamo Dresden at the age of ten and made his first appearance in the men’s team at the age of 17 against SC Leipzig. He scored his first goal straight away. At the age of 21, Kreise was called up to the national team. In the 1970/71 season he scored 17 goals to help Dynamo Dresden achieve a double. Kreise secured the top scorer title in 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1976. He ended his active career at the age of 30. His final statistics read phenomenally: 344 games, including 37 in the European Cup, 188 goals, 74 assists. The striker remained loyal to Dynamo afterwards and stepped in as head coach during the dark times in the league in 1995/96. In 2014, sports director Minge brought him back to the club.
Hansi Kreische and Jürgen Sparwasser in the duel between Dynamo Dresden and 1. FC Magdeburg
Dynamos President Ronny Rehn: “The fact that he came back to the youth academy in 2014 with his experience and the expertise he had gained was a huge gain for the club. It seems unbelievable that he is no longer with us. The sports community is forever indebted to you, Hansi! Rest in peace!”
Before the game against Hertha BSC on Saturday, the club plans to hold a minute’s silence in honor of Kreische. In addition, the team should wear a mourning ribbon.
