– Also known as “Der Blade ” or “Schasti”
– Karl Sesta was a unique blend of physical dominance and footballing intelligence — a former wrestler with a muscular, imposing frame that made him one of the toughest man-markers of his generation. Playing primarily as a centre-back or right-back, he brought unmatched strength and aggression to defensive duels, while maintaining impressive technical quality for a defender of his era. Sesta had a powerful shot from distance, often took set pieces, and was known for his leadership on and off the pitch. A key figure in the celebrated Austrian Wunderteam of the early 1930s and later a mainstay in Germany’s national side after the Anschluss, he earned caps with both countries and played in two World Cups. Fearless, disciplined, and technically solid, Sesta was a defensive cornerstone who thrived in football’s most physically demanding era.