Jean-Paul Laufenburger
Jean-Paul Laufenburger | |
|---|---|
| Born | 19 November 1943 Mulhouse, France |
| Died | 16 November 2014 (aged 70) Village-Neuf, France |
| Occupation | Professional footballer |
| Years active | 1962–1976 |
| Known for | Goalkeeper for FC Basel and Mulhouse |
Jean-Paul Laufenburger (19 November 1943 – 16 November 2014) was a French professional footballer who specialized as a goalkeeper.
Career
Originating from Mulhouse, Laufenburger developed his skills within the youth ranks of the local side Mulhouse before embarking on his professional journey with Sochaux-Montbéliard in 1962.
Two years later, he transitioned to Basel on a semi-professional deal, where he remained for a decade. He joined Basel's senior squad during the 1964–65 season under the management of Jiří Sobotka. Throughout his time at Basel, Laufenburger mainly functioned as the secondary goalkeeper behind Marcel Kunz, sharing responsibilities between the posts. His league debut occurred on 30 August 1964 in a 2–0 victory over Grenchen, during which he incurred a slight injury but swiftly returned to participate in European matches soon after.
Laufenburger's spell at Basel was marked by five Swiss championship triumphs, beginning with the 1966–67 campaign, a season when Basel also achieved the domestic double. The Swiss Cup final that year was distinguished by a disputed penalty and a subsequent sit-down protest from opponents Lausanne-Sports, resulting in Basel being awarded the trophy by default.
Beyond league and cup achievements, Laufenburger also played a role in securing victories in the Swiss League Cup. Over the period from 1964 to 1974, he amassed a total of 167 appearances for Basel across all competitions: featuring in 60 league fixtures, 11 Swiss Cup matches, 36 European contests—including UEFA Champions League and Inter-Cities Fairs Cup games—and participating in 60 friendly encounters.
Following ten seasons with Basel, Laufenburger returned to Mulhouse for two campaigns competing in France's Division 2, initially taking on the role of first-choice goalkeeper before transitioning into a backup position.
Personal life
Affectionately known as "Bolle" among family, friends, and supporters of Basel, Laufenburger resided in Village-Neuf, close to Basel. He was married to Agnès and balanced his semi-professional football career with employment as an electrician in Basel. His active engagement with FCB seniors was curtailed prematurely due to Parkinson's disease, which he endured for approximately two decades. He passed away at his residence in Village-Neuf on 16 November 2014, just days shy of his 71st birthday.
Honours
Basel
- Swiss League titles: 1966–67, 1968–69, 1969–70, 1971–72, 1972–73
- Swiss Cup winner: 1966–67; finalist: 1969–70, 1971–72, 1972–73
- Swiss League Cup champion: 1972
- Coppa delle Alpi titles: 1969, 1970
- Uhren Cup victories: 1969, 1970