It could have been a much more serious story, but thankfully, things are looking up for Bayern Munich legend Uli Hoeness.
The 73-year-old honorary president gave everyone quite a scare earlier this week when he was suddenly taken ill at a charity golf tournament.
But according to recent updates, he’s now doing well and on the road to recovery.
Sudden Health Scare at Golf Tournament
Hoeness had been attending the ‘Green of 18’ fundraising event at Schloss Miel Golf Club—a social event packed with familiar faces, including Bayern president Herbert Hainer and club sponsors—when he fell ill.
Paramedics rushed to the scene right away after what’s believed to have been a burst vein.
He was quickly taken to a nearby hospital by ambulance on Tuesday evening.
Back on His Feet That Same Evening
German news outlet Bild reported that Hoeness was released from the hospital that same night and returned to his hotel in Bonn.
By the following morning, German journalist Maximilian Koch confirmed that Hoeness was already doing much better.
Thankfully, no further medical procedures were needed, and the incident isn’t expected to have any long-term effects.
A Long History of Health Challenges
While this incident had fans and colleagues worried, it’s not the first time Hoeness has faced health issues.
His promising playing career was cut short due to a severe knee injury during the 1975 European Cup final against Leeds United.
Over the years, he’s also had concerns related to his heart, making any new medical scare cause for concern among those who know him.
A Giant of German Football
Uli Hoeness is more than just a club president—he’s a football institution in Germany.
On the pitch, he was part of West Germany’s 1974 World Cup-winning squad and helped Bayern Munich lift the European Cup three times.
Off the pitch, he shaped the club’s future, turning Bayern into a European powerhouse and spearheading the construction of the Allianz Arena in the early 2000s.
Controversy and Comeback
Of course, Hoeness’s story isn’t without its darker chapters.
In 2014, he served 19 months in prison for tax evasion—a scandal that rocked German football.
Yet, after serving his sentence, he returned to public life and was broadly welcomed back, thanks to his enormous contributions to the sport and Bayern Munich.
Still a Key Voice Behind the Scenes
Even after officially stepping down as Bayern president in 2019, Hoeness hasn’t exactly faded into the background.
As honorary president, his influence remains strong.
Reports suggest he was initially against the decision to sack Julian Nagelsmann in 2023, though he later supported the appointment of Vincent Kompany.