Bayern Munich’s legendary figure Uli Hoeneß has once again hinted that his departure from active club management might not be as final as it seems. Despite officially stepping down as president in 2019, the 73-year-old continues to play a powerful behind-the-scenes role at Säbener Straße, shaping key decisions that affect the Bundesliga champions’ direction.
In a candid interview with Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Hoeneß acknowledged that his full retreat from Bayern Munich is still uncertain. “It’s always said that Rummenigge and I are interfering — that’s not true at all,” he said, before pausing and adding, “The moment we feel like FC Bayern is running the way we imagine it… maybe that’s also wrong, I don’t know.” The emotional tone of his remarks underscored his deep attachment to the club he has served for over five decades, both as player and executive.
Hoeneß added, “If people don’t like what I’m doing anymore, they just have to tell me — then I’ll quietly go to my mountain at Tegernsee.” The statement drew both sympathy and criticism, as it highlighted his struggle to let go of a team he helped turn into a global powerhouse.
Bavarian Football Works analysis described Hoeneß as “an overprotective father” unwilling to let his children lead independently. While his experience and intuition remain invaluable, his continued influence has occasionally clashed with the current leadership’s strategies.
For instance, when Bayern president Herbert Hainer asked the media not to discuss transfer targets, Hoeneß publicly commented on one within a day. Similarly, his decision to block sporting director Max Eberl from making permanent signings late in the transfer window frustrated many within the boardroom. Such actions, critics argue, undermine the autonomy of the club’s new generation of leaders.
The situation raises a difficult question: Can Bayern truly evolve while Hoeneß still calls key shots? His legacy is unquestionable — transforming the club from a regional power to one of Europe’s financial and footballing giants — yet his reluctance to fully step back may hinder Bayern’s modernization under figures like Vincent Kompany and Eberl.
Ultimately, Hoeneß’s emotional connection to Bayern Munich is both his strength and his burden. Until he trusts his successors completely, the club may find itself caught between past glory and future progress — a delicate balancing act that defines this new chapter in the Rekordmeister’s story.
