Moving moment at Gala
Rummenigge turns to his wife – and fights back tears
October 12, 2025 – 11:26 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
During his time in management at FC Bayern, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge spent a lot of time away from his family. His wife therefore had to organize a lot of things on her own. The 70-year-old is grateful to her for that.
At an awards ceremony in Munich, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge caused a stir with a moving speech. The former Bayern board member was awarded the “Prime Minister’s Personal Prize” – and used the stage to publicly thank his wife Martina.
“I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you. Thank you to my wife,” said Rummenigge in a shaky voice. The 70-year-old fought back tears in his speech. “She managed the family well, had my back and always stood by me,” he said.
The cameras captured Martina Rummenigge in the audience – she put her index finger to her lips, visibly moved. Her husband reported how happy their family with five children and eight grandchildren made him. At the altar she once prophesied that he would have five children, “and they came one after the other,” says Rummenigge.
Rummenigge was honored by Bavaria’s Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU). After his active career from 1991, the former world-class striker was initially vice president of FC Bayern Munich eV and later CEO of FC Bayern München AG from 2002 to 2021. During his tenure, the club experienced its greatest sporting successes to date.
Companions such as Paul Breitner and Uli Hoeneß also found space in his speech. Breitner described Rummenigge as “the best and most important teammate I have ever had in a football team.” He was able to learn a lot from Hoeneß at a young age.
Finally, Rummenigge took a clear stance on the question of Munich’s possible Olympic bid. A second event after 1972 could “give the city another boost and upswing”. He therefore recommends that citizens vote “Pro” in the upcoming decision on October 26th.