Half a century of club history and the most successful era in the history of the club is closely linked to one man. Uli Hoeneß has shaped FC Bayern like no one else as a player, general manager, board member, president and supervisory board chairman. He made the record German champions a global brand and won countless titles with the club.
“I don’t regret a single day. I’m not just a Bayern Munich employee but a devout fan,” Hoeneß said shortly before stepping down as the president of the club with the biggest membership in the world in November 2019.
As an FC Bayern player (1970-79), Hoeneß won the 1976 Intercontinental Cup, the European Cup three times, three Bundesliga titles and a DFB Cup. As a West Germany international he also won the 1974 World Cup and 1972 European Championship, as well as competing at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich.
Born in Ulm on 5 January 1952, Hoeneß became the club's general manager at the tender age of 27 in 1979, having made 239 Bundesliga appearances and scored 86 goals. Hoeneß was FC Bayern München AG vice chairman from 2002 to 2009, responsible for the professional playing section, the youth section, sponsorship, licences and representing the company in the Stadion GmbH.
Hoeneß was seen as a visionary and pioneer in the Bundesliga even during his initial years as general manager, particularly in terms of TV and merchandising. Hoeneß received numerous personal awards. He was named Manager of the Year several times, was presented with the Bavarian Sports Award in 2006, the Bambi in 2009 and the Civil Courage award by the “Bündnis für Kinder” (Alliance for Kids) charity in 2010.
Hoeneß was elected FC Bayern München eV president and named to the supervisory board of FC Bayern München AG in 2009, holding these positions until 2014. In 2016 he returned to lead the club in both positions. At the Annual General Meeting in November 2019, he opted not to stand again for president and has vacated his position as chairman of the supervisory board.
Under Hoeneß as general manager, board member and president, FC Bayern won a total of 57 trophies, including the Champions League in 2001 and 2013, the Intercontinental Cup in 2001 and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2013, the UEFA Cup in 1996, 24 Bundesliga titles and 14 DFB Cup triumphs. Hoeneß was also a strong proponent of the Bayern basketballers, and his presidency included a double for them in 2018.