In more than 400 games, Franck Ribéry has become a legend at FC Bayern, even three years after his departure they often think of him in Munich. At that time, the Frenchman moved to Italy, where he now emotionally announces the end of his career. At the age of 39, the body no longer cooperates.
No more dribbles, no jokes, no triumphs: the former Munich superstar Franck Ribéry ended his impressive career with 25 (!) titles in tears, but not surprisingly. “Despite all my efforts over the past few months, the pain in my knee has gotten worse and worse. I have no choice but to stop,” said the 39-year-old in a two-minute video. For him it is “the end of a wonderful chapter in my life. I have experienced incredible moments and unforgettable highlights.” As a professional, he “fulfilled a dream”, it was an “incredible adventure”.
Ribéry still enjoys hero status, especially at Bayern Munich. For CEO Oliver Kahn, the Frenchman is “one of the greats in the history of football – and not least of FC Bayern. Franck was a filou on the pitch, something very special.” Honorary President Uli Hoeneß praised Ribéry as “one of the greatest players FC Bayern has ever had. The fans have always loved his unmistakable, cheeky manner on the pitch.”
Most recently, Ribéry played in Italy at US Salernitana, where he is soon to be promoted to management. You will “see him again soon at the start of a new chapter,” he announced. The 81-time national player (16 goals) had his heyday at FC Bayern. From 2007 to 2019, the offensive player was one of the attractions of the Bundesliga, in a proud 425 competitive games for the German record champions he scored 124 goals and 182 assists. With Arjen Robben he formed a congenial duo (“Rib
The highlight of his Munich era was the treble in 2013 with the triumph in the Champions League over Borussia Dortmund when he assisted in Robben’s winning goal at Wembley. In the same year he was voted Europe’s Footballer of the Year, and in 2008 Ribéry received this honor in Germany and France (also in 2007). The 2006 World Cup finalist won nine German championships and six DFB cups.
