At awards ceremony: Rummenigge fights back tears | OneFootball

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge creates a special moment at an award ceremony. The former Bayern boss shows an unusually emotional side and finds moving words.

Rummenigge was honored in Munich with the “Personal Prize of the Minister-President” – an award presented as part of the Bavarian Sports Award that recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to sports and social life in Bavaria.

In his speech, the 70-year-old struck an unusually personal tone and thanked his wife. “I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you. Thank you to my wife,” said Rummenigge — and was visibly fighting back tears. “She managed the family superbly, had my back, and always stood by me.”

The cameras showed his wife Martina in the audience, who touched her index finger to her lips, visibly moved. Rummenigge also spoke of his happiness with five children and eight grandchildren; at the altar, his wife had predicted he would have five children — “and they came one after the other.”

Tribute to former companions and stance on the Olympics

After the end of his playing career, the former striker shaped FC Bayern for decades as an executive: first as vice president (1991–2002), then as CEO (2002–2021). During this time, the club collected its greatest titles. He also emphasized the importance of those around him that evening: “The people you have by your side make the difference. We always had—this was FC Bayern’s great fortune—fantastic people in this club who also took the club to the top.”

Paul Breitner was also in the hall, whom Rummenigge singled out in particular: He was “the best and most important teammate I ever had in a football team.” He also recalled how much he was able to learn from Uli Hoeneß early on.

The long-time national team player was also clear on the Olympics question. “I believe this second Olympics after 1972 would give this city another boost and upswing. That’s why I can only warmly recommend to all citizens to vote in favor,” Rummenigge said, referring to the referendum in Munich on October 26.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.