At almost 70 years of age, “wing wizard” Rüdiger Abramczik is still coaching the FC Schalke 04 veterans’ team at the 19th NRW Veterans’ Masters in Mülheim.
When the 19th NRW Traditionsmasters takes place on January 4, 2026, at the Westenergie Sporthalle Mülheim, Rüdiger Abramczik will be there – as always – for the FC Schalke 04 traditional team. Because 19 years of NRW Traditionsmasters also means 19 years of “Abi” ball. Without Schalke’s cult right winger, the tournament would not be the same. “Abramczik crosses – Fischer scores!” was the formula for success for many Schalke goals in the 1970s and once brought the congenial duo into the national team. In November 1977, Klaus Fischer scored the goal of the century with a bicycle kick in an international match against Switzerland. The cross, which was (in this case actually too) well-timed, came from Rüdiger Abramczik, of course. After the end of their active careers, both strikers continued to show their skills for many years in the S04 Traditionself. The two friends also played for the Royal Blues in the NRW Traditionsmasters. “Especially in the NRW Traditionsmasters,” corrects Rüdiger Abramczik. “Those were many great years on the court. I always enjoyed playing here. The NRW Traditionsmasters is unbeatable in terms of atmosphere and organization. I would love to put on the blue jersey and play again today.”
However, as he will turn 70 in February, he has reduced his playing time and has been coaching the traditional team of the Knappen from the sidelines for several years. Because he doesn’t want to miss the NRW Traditionsmasters. “Being together with the guys, the feeling in the locker room and here in Mülheim at the NRW Traditionsmasters – the unique atmosphere in the hall – I just enjoy it all so much,” explains “Abi.” And so, on the first Sunday in January, he will once again put on his S04 tracksuit with great anticipation and prepare his team for the duels with the other clubs.
“I’m really looking forward to exciting matches against VfL Bochum, 1. FC Köln, and the other teams, when the atmosphere here is so electric that it feels like the roof is going to fly off,” says Abramczik, giving a thumbs up.
Despite a three-year stint at Borussia Dortmund, the Gelsenkirchen native has always remained a Schalke fan. “That’s why I’m naturally very happy about the current upswing,” explains Abramczik. “The fans at Schalke have seen two years of terrible soccer. They deserve it that things finally seem to be looking up again.” However, he emphasizes that expectations should not be raised too high again immediately – the Bundesliga is still a long way off.
At the age of 17, “Abi” scored the first of 58 Bundesliga goals in 235 appearances for Schalke 04. However, he became famous not so much for his goals as for his assists. “I was already training with the pros at the age of 16,” recalls street footballer Abramczik, who was born in Gelsenkirchen-Erle and still runs his sports shop, Abi’s Sportshop, there.
He shares the coaching duties for the S04 traditional team with other Schalke icons Klaus “Tanne” Fichtel and Dietmar ‘Didi’ Schacht. “I still really enjoy this job—just as much as my role as a representative for my Schalke team. I visit fan clubs and events and talk about the old days. And I’m good at chatting,“ explains Abramczik with a laugh. That’s what keeps him young. ”Recently, I was at a party with ‘Didi’ Schacht and 700 S04 fans in the Sauerland region. Afterwards, we spent almost two hours taking photos with the fans. In moments like these, you really get to experience first-hand how important this club continues to be to people.” That is the club’s greatest asset.
He remains a keen observer of the Schalke scene and attends as many of the Royal Blues’ home games as possible. So, apart from good health, he has one main wish for his milestone birthday: “A return to the Bundesliga would be the best present for me,” says Abramczik. He would love to celebrate promotion in May – but he doesn’t want to make a big deal out of his milestone birthday: “I’d have to invite at least 1,904 people. I think I’ll just slip away,” reveals “Abi” – and then spend a few days away from his beloved Gelsenkirchen.
And how does he feel at almost 70? “Let me put it this way: I’d rather be 70 than have died at 60,” replies Rüdiger Abramczik in his dry manner. That’s how they know and love him at Schalke. And in Mülheim.