Soccer Player, German (National Team / DFB)
soc011 · Sports
Soccer · 2000; released during the peak of LEGO's first major sports license and the Euro 2000 tournament.
Figure ID
soc011
Theme
Sports
Year Released
2000; released during the peak of LEGO's first major sports license and the Euro 2000 tournament.
Rarity
Uncommon; while not a limited convention exclusive, this figure was primarily available in European markets and specialized sets, making it rarer in North America.
Head
Classic yellow head with black stud eyes and a standard smiley face; topped with a black male hair piece (swept-to-side style).
Torso
White torso with a horizontal German flag (black, red, yellow) and a black soccer ball icon with star outlines; plain white arms and yellow hands.
Legs
Plain black hips and legs without printing.
Accessories
None typically included on the figure itself, though often paired with a soccer ball (part 72728pr0001) in sets.
Color Scheme
Primary white and black, accented by the red and yellow of the German national colors.
Printing Details
Simple pad printing on the front of the torso only; head features classic 1970s-style face printing common in the early 2000s transition era.
Variants
Variants exist with different hair styles (short hair or buzzed) and different head prints (facial hair or sunglasses) within the broader 2000-2002 Soccer line.
Condition Notes
Susceptible to yellowing on the white torso and arms; the black flag print can scratch easily; check for 'arm cracks' at the pits and 'torso cracks' at the hips.
Estimated Value
Used: $3 - $7 USD; New: $12 - $18 USD depending on the specific set provenance.
Price (New)
Originally released in sets ranging from $5 (polybags/small sets) to $50 (stadium sets).
Compatible Sets
3411 Team Transport, 3409 Championship Challenge, and various 3401-series promotional packs.
Character Background
Generic representation of a member of the German National Football Team (DFB) during the 2000 era.
Design Notes
One of the earliest attempts by LEGO to represent real-world national sports identities prior to the detailed 'DFB Series' (71014) released in 2016.
Similar Minifigures
soc001 (Generic Soccer Player), soc020 (French Player), and the 71014 Collectible Minifigure Series players.
Collectibility
Moderate; highly nostalgic for European collectors who grew up during the 2000/2002 football seasons; serves as a precursor to modern licensed sports figures.
History
Launched as part of the innovative 'Sports' theme which introduced spring-loaded pedestals to allow minifigures to 'kick' the ball.
Interesting Facts
The football icon on the chest was a standardized logo for LEGO Soccer until they shifted to more realistic Adidas or team-specific licensing designs years later.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on a green 32x32 baseplate with other international teams or inside a dedicated LEGO sports display case.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'purist' MOCs; the torso is iconic enough to be used for Olympic-themed figures or travel-themed dioramas.
Overall Assessment
A charming, classic piece of LEGO history that bridges the gap between 'Classic Town' simplicity and modern 'Sports' licensing. Rating: 7/10 for historical value.