The iconic German television show "Bares für Rares" has captivated fans for years by showcasing an array of unusual sale items, and its latest episode featured a special guest: former Schalke 04 star Ingo Anderbrügge. The 61-year-old ex-footballer, known for his vital role in the legendary 1996/97 UEFA Cup-winning team, joined his wife Katrin to sell a prized family heirloom during his visit to the ZDF show.
Ingo Anderbrügge's connection to Schalke 04 runs deep. He accumulated an impressive 360 appearances for the club over a distinguished career before ending it in 2001. On the show, the couple presented a handcrafted bracelet adorned with 15 diamonds, consisting of seven smaller stones on each side and a larger center stone weighing a total of 1.5 carats. The precious piece, gifted to Katrin by her grandmother, had remained unused in a drawer for years, prompting the couple to seek a sale.
The show's expert, Wendela Horz, examined the bracelet in detail. Beneath the expert's scrutiny, she wondered aloud about its material composition, noting, "It feels like white gold, but it has a different color." Her final assessment pegged the bracelet's estimated value between 800 and 1,000 euros, a figure with which the Anderbrügges happily complied.
Assessing the worth of their item, Ingo found himself pleasantly relieved when show host Horst Lichter handed them the red dealer card, jokingly inquiring, "No red card?" This quip harked back to his professional playing days where he received only one yellow-red card throughout his career—a notable limited disciplinary record in football.
Upon entering the dealer room, the couple witnessed some exciting bidding. The first bid came from dealer Wolfgang Pauritsch, who began at 600 euros. Several other dealers quickly joined the fray, driving the price up in a competitive excitement. Ultimately, David Suppes prevailed, securing the bracelet for 1,100 euros—a remarkable 100 euros above the initial estimate and 500 euros over Katrin's expectations.
"If it goes to good hands for 600 to 800 euros, I'd be happy," Katrin had expressed earlier, illustrating the couple's modest aspirations. Ingo and Katrin left the studio feeling delighted with the outcome, describing the experience as a win. It was yet another significant moment for Anderbrügge who remains involved in sports, having established the "Fußballfabrik" football school in 1997. Alongside his wife, he now runs mobile football camps across Germany.
The "Eurofighter" legacy stays vibrant within Schalke circles—one of the unforgettable highlights in the club's history and a testament to the success achieved during that era. Moreover, Anderbrügge’s recent appearance on the show adds another layer to his story beyond just football.
Schalke 04 fans might remember their popular midfielder for his dedication to the club. Anderbrügge's contributions were commemorated with the club's notable UEFA victory and his commitment to catalyze a successful trajectory for young athletes through his football school and related ventures.
