Richard Kuremaa, Estonian footballer (d. 1991)

Richard Kuremaa: A Pillar of Pre-War Estonian Football

Richard Kuremaa (born January 12, 1912, died January 10, 1991) stands as a monumental figure in the annals of Estonian football history, particularly revered as one of the most prominent and prolific players before the significant upheaval of World War II. His career spanned a crucial period for Estonian sports, showcasing remarkable talent and consistency that cemented his legendary status.

International Career: A National Team Powerhouse

Kuremaa's impact extended notably to the international stage, where he proudly represented the Estonia national football team. He earned an impressive 42 caps, a significant number for his era, demonstrating his consistent selection and crucial role within the squad. During these appearances, he netted a remarkable 19 goals, establishing himself as one of the national team's most effective and consistent goal-scorers in its pre-war independent period. His debut on June 11, 1933, in an international fixture against Sweden, marked the beginning of a distinguished career that saw him frequently on the score sheet against various European opponents, showcasing Estonia's growing presence in international football.

Domestic Dominance and Enduring Legacy

On the domestic front, Richard Kuremaa's scoring prowess was equally profound. He primarily played for Tallinna Sport, one of the most successful football clubs in Estonia during the 1920s and 1930s, known for its multiple championship titles. Kuremaa's career saw him become the all-time leading scorer in the Estonian premier division – then known as the A-klass or Eesti jalgpalli meistrivõistlused – amassing an astounding 65 goals. This incredible record stood for an astonishing 60 years, remaining unbroken until 1995. The longevity of this achievement underscores his exceptional consistency and predatory instinct in front of goal across multiple seasons. Interestingly, despite holding the all-time goal-scoring record for such an extended period, Kuremaa never secured the annual top scorer award in the Estonian premier division. This paradox highlights the competitive nature of the league during his playing years, where numerous talented forwards vied for individual accolades, even as Kuremaa consistently contributed a high volume of goals throughout his illustrious career.

Frequently Asked Questions About Richard Kuremaa

When was Richard Kuremaa born and when did he pass away?

Richard Kuremaa was born on January 12, 1912, and passed away on January 10, 1991, at the age of 78.

How many times did Richard Kuremaa play for the Estonia national football team?

He played 42 times for the Estonia national football team.

How many goals did Richard Kuremaa score for the Estonia national team?

He scored 19 goals for the Estonia national football team, making him one of their most prolific scorers during the interwar period.

When did Richard Kuremaa make his debut for Estonia?

His debut occurred on June 11, 1933, in a match against Sweden.

What was Richard Kuremaa's record in the Estonian premier division?

He was the all-time top scorer in the Estonian premier division (A-klass) with 65 goals, a record he held until 1995.

Did Richard Kuremaa ever win a top scorer award in the Estonian premier division?

No, despite being the all-time top scorer for decades, he surprisingly never won the annual top scorer award in the Estonian premier division during his career.