He's scored amazing goals, provided beautiful assists and outfoxed numerous opponents with his dribbling. A highlight reel of Franck Ribéry in FC Bayern colours could be as long as a feature film. Here’s some of his most memorable moments:
#1: Daring debut – 18 August 2007
Ribery made a name for himself with his first Bundesliga goal. On Matchday 2 of the 2007/08 season, he looked Bremen goalkeeper Tim Wiese in the eyes from 12 yards out, before casually chipping his penalty down the middle. His effort in setting up the chance to score the fourth goal in a 4-0 win also had every Bayern fan out of their seat. The Frenchman showed sensational ball control just outside his own penalty area, followed by a chip to leave Werder's Christian Schulz out of position before countering with lightning speed - simply magnifique!
#2: Birth of Robbery – 29 August 2009
They were a wing duo unrivalled in all of Europe. Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben defined a decade at FC Bayern. From their very first appearance together, they showed the world what was to follow in years to come. Just one day after signing in August 2009, Robben was substituted on during Bayern's Bundesliga match against Wolfsburg. Ribery and the Dutchman started making magic right from the off. Two men, two goals - that must have been their mantra. The interplay between the two clicked right away. Robben scored two goals, both thanks to assists from Ribery, as Bayern won 3-0.
See below for the moments from Robben's debut in 2009:
#3: His best goal – 18 May 2013
When Ribery was asked what his best goal was, he didn't have to think too long. Bayern were 3-2 down against Mönchengladbach on the final matchday of the 2012/13 Bundesliga season when Philipp Lahm picked out the Frenchman with a powerful cross. Ribery hit the ball first time on the volley, an unstoppable shot from the edge of the penalty area that flew into the net. A few minutes later, Ribery provided the assist for Robben to snatch a 4-3 win. The result would help the Bavarians go into the Champions League final a week later feeling hugely confident.
#4: The greatest success – 25 May 2013
Of course, Ribery also played his part in Bayern's 2013 Champions League triumph. After all, it was him who perfectly controlled Jerome Boateng's long ball and it was his heel that set Robben through for his winning goal to make it 2-1 to FCB in the 89th minute of the game. He had also previously kicked off the action with a great pass to Robben, who assisted Mario Mandzukic's opener.
#5: Revenge – 30 August 2013
Man of the match Ribery led FC Bayern to their next title just months after the triumph at Wembley. The Munich side met Chelsea in the UEFA Supercup for the first time since the disappointment of Finale Dahoam. After a slow start, Ribery, who was named Europe's Footballer of the Year just one day earlier, brought FCB back into the game with a wondergoal just after half-time. From 25 yards he surprised Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech with a shot that flew into the near corner. Ribery also showed ice-cool calmness in the penalty shootout and converted his attempt as Bayern won 5-4 to take home the trophy.
#6: King in the air – 2 April 2016
Should the Bundesliga ever need a new logo, Ribery is a strong candidate to provide it, On 2 April 2016 against Eintracht, after a parry from Frankfurt goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky, the Frenchman reacted instinctively on the goalline. He judged the high ball to perfection and his airborne effort was unstoppable. It was the only goal of the day, and coach Pep Guardiola, the crowd in the Allianz Arena and especially Ribery couldn't believe what they'd seen.
#7: One final game – 18 May 2019
Ribery's farewell from the Bundesliga could not have been more perfect. On the last matchday of the 2018/19 season, FC Bayern celebrated winning the league title with a 5-1 win over Frankfurt. Ribery was substituted in his last game at the Allianz Arena in the 61st minute and was able to thank the team on the day with the Goal of the Season. With an amazing dribble he danced past Eintracht's defence before finishing with a deft lob. It was a goal that perfectly reflected all the wonderful years Bayern and Ribery had spent together, full of footballing magic and mastery.
All the best for the future, Franck!
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