FC Bayern and German sports journalism is mourning the passing of Hans Rauchensteiner. The famous photographer had accompanied the Munich club and sport in general since 1972. He passed away suddenly and unexpectedly while working at the Allianz Arena following the match against Borussia Dortmund. Rauchensteiner was 72 years old.
Rauchensteiner talking with then Bayern president Franz Beckenbauer before the 4-1 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League at the Olympiastadion in March 2000.
President Herbert Hainer: “In Hans Rauchensteiner, FC Bayern has lost a loyal companion, both in football, basketball and all our popular sports departments. He was always highly appreciated by the club, both in a work and a personal sense. We are in mourning together with his wife Hanne and his relatives. We’ll never forget Hans Rauchensteiner.“
Rauchensteiner was a member of the Bayern family, seen here with legendary goalkeeper Sepp Maier at the launch of his book ‘Mythos FC Bayern’ at the FC Bayern Museum in 2015.
CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge: “Hans Rauchensteiner was always a serious, fair and reliable companion for us for 50 years. Football and sport were his great passion and an important part of his life. You could see that in his photographs and his work. His photos told the stories behind the people. Hans Rauchensteiner was a great character in German sports journalism.”
Rauchensteiner delighted sports fans with many unique photos, such as Bayern’s foggy match against Tottenham Hotspur at the Olympiastadion in 1982, or the 1981 photo of FCB goalkeeper Walter Junghans in front of Liverpool fans at Anfield, which was named Sports Photo of the Year. Born in Landshut, he was held in high regard for his always polite and friendly manner, which is why athletes often granted him deeper insights, as they could be sure of a trusting and professional approach. He always supported his colleagues, as understanding and patience were hallmarks of his. Since 1982, he also worked as a photographer on behalf of FC Bayern, for the club magazine, autograph cards and team posters.
Rauchensteiner was always a welcome guest, seen here joking with Hasan Salihamidžić before Bayern’s cup match in Regensburg in 2012.