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Eike Immel: From football glory to living on social assistance

10. December 2024
Eike Immel (foto: Official TW/IG/FB account)
Once a celebrated goalkeeper, German football legend Eike Immel reflects on his fall from a life of luxury to financial struggles and government support.

Eike Immel, a former German goalkeeper who graced the footballing world with clubs like Borussia Dortmund, VfB Stuttgart, and Manchester City, as well as two World Cup finals with the national team, now finds himself living a far cry from his once luxurious life. At 63, Immel resides in a government-subsidized apartment in his hometown of Stadtallendorf, surviving on social assistance.

During his footballing prime in the 1980s, Immel was a household name in Germany, even contributing to his country’s victory in the 1980 European Championship. However, after retiring in 1997, Immel’s life began to unravel, leading to bankruptcy in 2008, divorce, and the loss of custody of his children.

A Life of Excess

Speaking candidly to Stat 1, Immel admitted to his reckless financial habits during his heyday. "Sometimes my mobile phone bill was 10,000 euros a month. One Christmas, I spent €30,000 on clothes for my new girlfriend," he revealed. At one point, bailiffs knocked on the door of his million-pound home. "I didn’t think enough about the future. Dealing with money is not one of my strengths," he admitted.

Immel’s lack of foresight left him ill-equipped for daily life. "I’ve never mopped the floor in my life, and I don’t know how to cook. Washing and cleaning are foreign to me, and I can’t even use a washing machine."

Current Life and Support

Today, Immel lives on a monthly welfare allowance of €1,158, with more than half going toward rent. Despite the challenges, he finds solace in volunteering to train children in his local community. A friend who owns a nearby restaurant also provides him with meals, allowing him to get by despite his financial hardships.

Friends have stepped in to furnish his apartment and offer emotional support during tough times. "It's a real struggle to make ends meet. I appreciate their help, but I wish things were different," he said.

Reflection and Lessons

Immel’s story is a cautionary tale of the perils of unchecked spending and the importance of planning for life beyond professional sports. While he faces daily struggles, his honesty about his mistakes offers a sobering reminder of how quickly fortunes can change.

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