In the world of German football, the name Uli Hoeneß is synonymous with success, rivalry, and now, intriguing political commentary. During an episode of the ARD talk show "Maischberger," where the focus was ostensibly on the political landscape in Germany, Hoeneß took the opportunity to take a jab at Borussia Dortmund (BVB), his club's long-time rival. At 73, Hoeneß remains a prominent figure, leveraging his influence even in non-football discussions.
Hoeneß's comments came in response to a question about Friedrich Merz, a fan of BVB, and whether he would make a good Chancellor. "Since I don’t consider Dortmund to be a major competitor at the moment, I really don’t care," Hoeneß remarked nonchalantly. This remark echoes the current status in the Bundesliga, where Bayern Munich holds a staggering 26-point lead over BVB as of mid-March 2025, virtually securing their path to another title.
Turning more serious, Hoeneß expressed his hopes for Merz as a leader, saying, "Otherwise, we all have a problem." He went on to assert that if Merz fails his political duties, the ramifications could be dire, possibly leading to an undesirable rise in support for extremist parties like the AfD, who he believes are unqualified for governance.
"If that goes wrong, then we could see the time of the incompetent," Hoeneß warned, reflecting his concerns about the political direction of Germany. Indeed, his long tenure at Bayern Munich, starting in the 1980s as manager and later as president until 2014, before his brief hiatus due to a prison sentence for tax evasion, has provided him with the credibility to comment on broader issues.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich's current president, Herbert Hainer, is poised to continue leading the club beyond his initial terms. Having first taken the reins in November 2019, when he succeeded Hoeneß, Hainer has been recognized for his steady presence and background leadership style. His re-election in October 2022 will soon be followed by another potential bid in November 2025. Sources close to the club have suggested that there is a strong inclination for Hainer to extend his presidency, as his calm demeanor has garnered widespread approval.
"I enjoy being president at FC Bayern immensely. As long as that’s the case, I will continue," Hainer stated last year, indicating a willingness to serve as long as he finds the role rewarding. With his 71st birthday approaching on July 3, Hainer appears focused on evaluating his future after the current season. Also, there is growing anticipation regarding new player acquisitions that may shape the club before his birth date.
This weekend, on March 22, former Werder Bremen star Diego will host his farewell game at the Weserstadion—a testament to his impact during his tenure from 2006 to 2009, when he dazzled fans and officials alike. Diego’s decision to join Juventus over Bayern, despite an invitation from Hoeneß, stemmed from a desire to experience a new country. "My father was invited to a meeting in Munich; in the end, I wanted to get to know a new country," Diego recounted.
Reflecting on his career, Diego expressed a longing for Werder to return to European football, a sentiment that resonates with many in Germany, and particularly those connected to the club.
In a separate event that captivated fans, the Beckenbauer Cup was held on March 17, 2025, at SAP Garden, bringing together football legends to celebrate the legacy of Franz Beckenbauer. Notable names such as Arjen Robben, Franck Ribéry, and Lothar Matthäus participated, with Matthäus leading the Bayern legends against Ajax Amsterdam. However, he left after the first match for a pre-planned vacation in Dubai, stirring curiosity among fans regarding his sudden departure.
Hoeneß, too, was absent from the festivities, opting instead to attend a basketball matchup against Ulm, where FC Bayern Basketball enjoyed a victorious game with a score of 70:62.
The Bayern legends clinched the Beckenbauer Cup title by defeating Real Madrid 4-0, showcasing the skills that defined their past glory and serving as a reminder to the current squad about maintaining their competitiveness.
As FC Bayern navigates through these conflicting narratives—past glories, present inconsistencies, and future ambitions—the intertwining of football with political and social commentary continues to offer fertile ground for discussion among fans and pundits alike.
