At a glance: Harald Irmscher
- Occasion: 80th Birthday
- Date: February 18, 2026
- Clubs: BSG Motor Zwickau, FC Carl Zeiss Jena
- Status: Club legend, former GDR international
- Special feature: Associated with the legendary Jena “Fiat-Elf”
Jena. It is a date marked in red on the calendars of many fans of FC Carl Zeiss Jena. Today, Wednesday, February 18, 2026, one of the most defining figures in the club’s history celebrates a milestone birthday: Harald Irmscher turns 80 years old. The celebrant represents, like few others, the technically skilled, elegant style of play that made Jena football famous in the 1970s and beyond.
An elegant strategist celebrates his anniversary
Anyone looking back at the great times of GDR football cannot overlook the name Harald Irmscher. He was not considered a man for the rough work, but rather the fine spirit in midfield. His ball handling, his vision, and his ability to read the game made him one of the best technicians of his time. Now he looks back on eight decades – a life inextricably linked with the ball and the city of Jena.
The MDR honored the celebrant on the occasion of his special day with a portrait tracing the stages of an impressive career. It becomes clear: Irmscher is more than just a former player; he is a piece of the identity of Thuringian football.
From Zwickau to Paradise: A transfer for the history books
Irmscher initially had his footballing roots in Westsachsen. Through BSG Motor Zwickau, he recommended himself for higher tasks. The decisive step took place in 1968 when he completed the move to FC Carl Zeiss Jena. It was a time when Jena was preparing to mature into an absolute top team in the DDR-Oberliga.
In the Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld, Irmscher found his sporting home. Here he matured into an undisputed leader and national player. His presence on the pitch contributed significantly to FCC collecting national titles during this era and causing a stir on the European stage. For many contemporary witnesses, his move to Jena remains one of the most important transfers in the history of the club.
The myth of the “Fiat-Elf”
The name Harald Irmscher is particularly closely linked to the term “Fiat-Elf.” This designation still makes the hearts of Jena fans beat faster today and is synonymous with the probably most successful era of the club, which culminated in great European Cup nights. Even though Irmscher moved into the coaching staff in the later years of this era, he remains unforgotten as an architect of success – whether on the pitch or on the sidelines.
The “Fiat-Elf” is more than just a team lineup in Jena; it is a cultural heritage of the city. The fact that Irmscher is explicitly honored today, on his 80th birthday, as a legend from this circle underlines his importance. He embodies the values of that time: cohesion, technical standards, and the will to hold his own even against international powers.
A role model for generations
Even at 80, Harald Irmscher remains an integral part of the Jena sports family. For younger generations, he is living proof of what is possible with talent and dedication at the Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld. His milestone birthday is not just a private celebration, but a moment in which the city of Jena and its football supporters pause to say “thank you.”
FC Carl Zeiss Jena and its fans congratulate a true icon. Happy 80th birthday, Harald Irmscher!
Source:
Harald Irmscher – a legend from the Jena “Fiat-Elf” | MDR.DE
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.