Arjen Robben and Franck Ribéry send message to Jupp Heynckes on his 80th birthday
"Dear Jupp,
When we think about our time together, so many special memories immediately come flooding back. You weren't just a coach to us, but a father figure. Someone who understood us—as players, but above all, as people. You managed to build a team that not only worked well on the pitch, but was a true unit off it as well. The way you managed us was unique: always positive, always full of energy, always with the right instinct for what the team needed at any given moment
2013 was a year we will never forget. We achieved something historic together – with the first treble in the club's history. And of course, we immediately think of that one game, that one moment: Wembley, May 25, 89th minute. Franck backheels the ball, Arjen slots it into the net – 2-1, Bayern! An indescribable feeling. But that moment wasn't just a goal or a final win. It was the result of a season in which everything was perfect from the start: team spirit, passion, enthusiasm for the game – and above all, a coach who knew exactly how to prepare us for the perfect match. You turned us into a team that fit together, that always worked for each other. And that's exactly what made the difference.
But that wasn't the only time you showed us what we're capable of. In 2017, when you came back, many people thought: Can this work? But we knew you were the right person. At the time, Bayern were in second place, five points behind Dortmund – an unfamiliar situation for the club. But with you on the sidelines, it quickly became clear: We'll come back. You gave us stability, made it clear to us what we had to do. And in the end, we won the league convincingly, on matchday 29. It was as if you had simply flipped a switch
What we'll never forget: You always had a listening ear – whether it was about football or things off the pitch. With you, we could be honest, open up, and even vent our frustrations. And the next day, we'd get back to work together. This human side of you was what made you stand out – and it ensured that we not only improved as players, but also grew as individuals.
Your trust made us strong. You gave us our freedom, but at the same time, you lived by clear principles. Discipline, respect, solidarity – these weren't just empty words for you, but lived values. Everyone in the dressing room knew where they stood with you. And that's precisely 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 just 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 you can pay a coach
We're grateful that we met you along the way. The experiences we shared will bond us for life. And sometimes, when we think back on that time, it's almost as if we can smell the Wembley pitch again – just before kickoff, full of anticipation. That stays with us.
Jupp, you're a coach who made success possible, but above all, you're a person who shaped us. We've experienced so much with you, both on and off the pitch. Therefore, we wish you all the best for your 80th birthday—above all, health, happiness, and many wonderful moments with your family."
Franck Ribéry & Arjen Robben
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