Willi Steffen

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Willi Steffen
0Full Name	Willi Steffen
0Date of Birth	17 March 1925
0Place of Birth	Bern, Switzerland
0Position	Left back
0Chelsea career	1946-1947
0Debut	30 November 1946
0Games (goals)	20 (0)
0Other clubs	Young Boys Bern

Willi Steffen (17 March 1925 – 3 May 2005) was a Swiss international footballer who played as a left-back for Chelsea during the 1946-47 season.

Contents 1 Before Chelsea 2 Chelsea career 3 After Chelsea 4 International 5 Statistics

Before Chelsea

A former fighter pilot, Steffen started out as an amateur with Cantonal Neuchâtel and later became the first Swiss footballer to play in England when he signed for Chelsea. He had only journeyed to England to learn the language, having been sent by his parents in preparation for him joining the family's fruit and vegetable business, but his teacher turned out to be the wife of then-Chelsea manager, Billy Birrell. He was given a trial and signed for the club in July 1946.

Chelsea career

Steffen was a cultured and dedicated full back, tall and pacy, who quickly became a crowd favourite at Chelsea, while his blonde hair and good looks also won him admirers. He made his debut in a 3-1 loss against Derby County and played 20 league and cup games for Chelsea during the 1946-47 season, including a memorable FA Cup win over Arsenal, during which he expertly marked winger Ian McPherson. Steffen returned to Switzerland at the end of the season to finish his national service and was made captain in his final game for Chelsea, also against Derby.

After Chelsea

Upon his return to Switzerland he re-joined Cantonal before moving to Young Boys Bern in 1950. With them, he won the Swiss Super League four years in succession from 1957-60 as well as the Schweizer Cup in 1953 and 1958. He died in Bern in 2005, aged 80.

International

Steffen played for Switzerland at the 1950 FIFA World Cup, though they went out in the group stages. He also played in a 1-0 win over an England side containing Stanley Matthews, Tommy Lawton and Billy Wright in Zurich in 1947. He won 28 international caps for his country.

Statistics

Season	League		FA Cup		Total
	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
1946-47	15	0	5	0	20	0
Total	15	0	5	0	20	0