Two sportsmen were given the nickname ‘Air’ during the late 1980s and early 1990s: Michael Jordan and Karl-Heinz Riedle. At 5ft 10in, Riedle was significantly shorter than the basketball and Space Jam star, instead earning his moniker through his impressive aerial ability. The striker was part of a German squad that reached back-to-back major finals, lifting the World Cup in 1990 before losing to Denmark at Euro 92. Following a spell alongside Paul Gascoigne at Lazio during Serie A’s heyday, Riedle’s personal highlight came in 1997, when he scored twice to help Borussia Dortmund defeat Juventus in the Champions League final.
Today the 59-year-old works as a global ambassador for Dortmund, representing the club at matches and at events further afield. He speaks to FourFourTwo after travelling to Singapore to celebrate 10 years of the club’s presence in Asia; BVB are trying to grow their profile across the continent via first-team tours, legend matches and other activities, knowing that the Premier League is still the main attraction there.