Erzgebirge Aue mourns the loss of club icon Mothes

FC Erzgebirge Aue mourns the loss of one of the best players in the club's history. Harald Mothes died at the age of 69, the relegated third division club announced on Saturday after consulting with his family. "FC Erzgebirge Aue extends its heartfelt condolences to his wife, his family, all friends and relatives, will always hold the name Harald Mothes in honor and remember the great sportsman," the club wrote on its website.

Mothes was one of the best footballers and most influential figures in the club's 80-year history. He played 303 matches for the club and is the second-highest scorer in the club's history with 103 goals. He was also always a popular figure and ambassador for the FCE.

Mothes moved back to the Erzgebirge in 2025

Mothes spent a proud 15 years on the pitch for BSG (1975 to 1990) and was part of the "golden generation" with Holger Erler, Jürgen Escher, Volker Schmidt and Jörg Weißflog, twice qualifying for the European Cup.

It was only last year that Mothes moved back from Bavaria to his home in the Ore Mountains. On March 4, he was named in the eleven of all time as part of the ceremony to mark the club's 80th birthday.