Arjen Robben & Franck Ribéry congratulate Jupp Heynckes

Jupp Heynckes coached FC Bayern four times and was always there when he was needed. To mark his 80th birthday on 9 May, four companions recall great games, special moments - and an extraordinary person, who shaped them for life with his heart and attitude. Part 3: Franck Ribéry and Arjen Robben.

Dear Jupp,

when we think of our time with you, so many special memories come to mind. You weren’t just a coach for us but a father figure. Someone who understood us – as players but first and foremost as persons. You formed a team that didn’t only work on the pitch but that was also a real unit off it. Your way of dealing with us was unique: always positive, full of energy and with the right nose for what the team needed at a given moment.

2013 was a year we’ll never forget. We achieved historic things together, with the first treble in the club’s history. And of course we immediately think of this one game, this one moment: Wembley, 25 May, 89th minute. Franck backheeled the ball to Arjen, who slotted home to make it 2-1 for Bayern! An indescribable feeling. But this moment wasn’t just a goal or a victory in the final. It was the result of a season in which everything was right from the start: team spirit, passion, verve – and above all a coach who knew exactly how to prepare us. You turned us into a team that marched together, we always worked for one another. And that’s what made the difference.

But that wasn’t the only time you showed us what’s in us. When you returned in 2017, many thought: Will this work? But we knew you were the right one. Bayern were in second place back then, five points short of Dortmund – an unfamiliar situation for the club. But with you in the dugout, it was soon clear we’d come back. You gave us stability and made it clear what we had to do. We went on to win the title – with aplomb, as early as Matchday 29. It seemed as if you had just flipped a switch.

Something we will never forget: you always had an open ear, whether it was football or something off the pitch. We could be honest with you, open up or let off steam. And the next day we’d go on together. This human side marked you out – and it ensured we didn’t only improve as players but also grew as people.

Your trust made us strong. You gave us freedom but also exemplified clear principles. Discipine, respect, solidarity – those weren’t empty words yith you, they were values you lived by. Everyone in the dressing room knew where they stood with you. And that’s why you had our full support – always.

When we watch young players today, we often think: What would they learn from a coach like you? Probably a lot. Not only how to win games but also how to lead a team, how to reach people. You were never loud but always clear. Never dominant but always present. And that’s perhaps the greatest compliment we can pay a coach.

We’re grateful we met you on our way. The experiences we shared will connect us for a lifetime. And sometimes, when we think back to that time, it’s almost like smelling the turf at Wembley again – shortly before kick-off, fired up. That will remain forever.

Jupp, you’re a coach who made success possible, but above all you’re a person who has shaped us. We experienced so many things with you, both on and off the pitch. We wish you all the best on your 80th birthday – and above all good health, luck and many nice moments with your family.

Franck Ribéry & Arjen Robben

This text appears in the current edition of the FC Bayern club magazine ‘51’: – in part 2 of the series, Uli Hoeneß congratulated the birthday boy: