The Hannover and Germany keeper committed suicide on November 10th 2009, leaving a massive hole in the heart of those who loved him, both family and friends as well as the football community. We revisit the tragic moment and pay tribute to the great man and player on the three year anniversary of his passing.
The news of Enke’s depature sent shockwaves through the German football world and united the German public in a sobering manner. The national team cancelled a planned friendly against Chile after the team had spoken to the DFB officials. Team manager Oliver Bierhoff had trouble holding back his tears when he had to explain the decision to the German media.
35,000 people gathered in and around the Marktkirche in Hannover as the city said good bye to one of its greatest footballers. Germany’s first match after Enke’s death ended in a 2-2 draw agains Côte d’Ivoire, giving the fans of the national team the chance to say farewell.
Enke’s depression was unkown to the public, and only a select few close to the goalkeeper knew about it. In the biography ”Robert Enke: A life too short” Ronald Reng managed to chronicle the Hannover’s goalie tough fight against depression. The biography described also what made Enke an exceptional goalkeeper. Here is a video clip of some of his best saves:
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