After joining for the legendary 2012/13 season, Tom Starke was a consistently reliable figure in the FC Bayern goal. He was always there when needed as back-up to first choice Manuel Neuer, and since retiring he’s been helping to bring through the next generation of shot-stoppers as goalkeeping coordinator at the FC Bayern Campus. Happy 39th birthday from everyone at fcbayern.com!
Starke saves penalty with his head
Starke played his part in the historic treble-winning season in just his first campaign with the record champions. The goalkeeper made three appearances and kept three clean sheets. Perhaps his most memorable moment was in the 47th minute of the home game against Nürnberg on 13 April 2013. With FCB leading 3-0, Timmy Simmons had a chance to get one back for the visitors with a penalty. He had previously converted all six spot-kicks for Nürnberg, but that run came to an end as Starke used his head, literally.
Known by fans as Die Krake, or octopus, Starke proved he was ever reliable for Bayern in the years to follow. In total, he played 12 times for the Munich club. Even his retirement in summer 2017 didn’t stop him from leaping to FCB’s rescue again, returning to the squad in September 2017 following an injury to Neuer. After Sven Ulreich was ruled out of two games in December, the veteran even got his chance to play again. Thanks to his impressive displays, Bayern recorded 1-0 wins at Eintracht Frankfurt and at home to Köln.
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